Going for an interview is stressful. As it should be. This one meeting could define the rest of your life. The following hints and tips will help you to maximize your success during an interview and to put your best foot forward because first impressions last.

1. Dress the part. Depending on where you apply you will want to dress accordingly. If you are applying to a gaming company you will obviously dress differently than if applying for a managerial position. How you dress defines how you wish to portray yourself and how serious the interview is to you. Never wear jeans and/or a t-shirt. Semi formal to formal is the best way to go. Professional and serious.

2. Arrive on time. Early even.. This is perhaps the most important tip. Obviously, being late is the worst thing to do. This gives the impression that you are not taking this as seriously as you should be because you should have plotted out your travel route and estimated time travel beforehand. Sometimes being late cannot be avoided, but honestly try hard to be on time or even early even if it means leaving an hour before you should. Also, arriving early, but not too early, will show that you are eager and interested in the interview.

3. Wait and do not get impatient in the waiting room. You are there for yourself not for them. Even if they are a half an hour late do not get impatient, unless the job doesn’t mean much to you. Some companies like to test how you handle stress or how you handle not being the center of attention. As long as you announced your arrival to the secretary they will come for you. And never ever get snarky with the secretary or office manager. Career buster. Even if you do manage to get the job they can make your working life a living hell.

4. Greet the person formally with a firm handshake. Use Mr./Mrs./Miss etc…for it is a sign of respect. Use a firm handshake to introduce yourself. A firm, but not too firm, handshake gives off an aura of confidence.

5. Do not sit until they indicate to do so. Do not go into the office and ‘plop’ yourself down like you own the office. Sit when they indicate to do so or sit when they sit.

6. Sit halfway from the back of the seat, slightly forward. This will give the appearance of you leaning in and “being extremely interested” in everything that is being said.

7. Be warm and friendly but not overly so. Smiling can go a long way. It means you are happy to be there for the interview and that you are at ease and interested.

8. When asked a question do not go off topic unless it is pertinent. No one wants to hear your life story.

9. Before going to an interview make two lists. One list of your positive qualities that will be beneficial to you working at that specific company and another list of your faults that you wish to ameliorate. Seriously, some companies ask this. Be honest, which means do not make something up to sound better.

10. RESEARCH. You need to find all the information possible about the company you are going to see. This will also help you prepare a list of possible questions that the interviewer may ask you.

Going for an interview can be stressful, especially if you really want the job. Collect as much information on the company as possible before the interview. Smile and show how you are interested in the company during the interview. And never ever ask about the salary during the interview unless they bring it up. This is a topic for when they call you back. And finally, most importantly never be late.

photo from ianbwarner