Entry by Pat Patterson
The “dead fish handshake” – Always shake your interviewer’s hand firmly and confidently (just make sure you don’t over do it).
The “poker face” – When you answer questions, do so with a smile on your face and at least appear as if you are enjoying yourself. A pleasant attitude is contagious, and your interviewer will remember you as a positive person if you are pleasant.
Forgetting to breathe – I don’t mean literally forgetting to breathe and passing out (I hope no one is that nervous during an interview) – I mean try not to talk too quickly. Take some deep breaths and slow your speech enough to be understood. If you think you may be speaking too quickly, there is a good chance that you are. Practice answering questions with a friend to gauge a good talking speed.
“Thanks Tom, uhh…I mean Tim?” – Don’t forget the name of your interviewer. To help you remember, repeat your interviewer’s name when you first meet him or her. For example, “Good to meet you, Tim. My name is Pat Patterson.” Also, if you have more than one interviewer, it is helpful to jot their names down in your notes.
Interviewer: “Tell me about yourself.”
You: “Well I was born on June 19, 1987. I started crawling at a very early age……….etc. etc. etc…………”
– Even if you may have lived an awesome life and may even be some kind of baby crawling prodigy, an interviewer does not want to hear your whole life story. Be prepared to tell an interviewer about your education, brief interests, what you are interested in doing and how you may be a great fit for his or her opportunity.
Basic Example:
Hi, my name is ______________. I will be graduating/I just graduated from ________________with a degree in _______________. I enjoy ________________. I’m looking to___________________________. I am here today because I think I would be a great fit for ___________because______________________.
Interviewer: “Do you have any questions for me?”
You: “No, I don’t think so.”
– Never come to an interview without questions. The more questions you ask, the more interested an interviewer will think you are in his or her opportunity.
“Okay, thanks for the interview. I’ll see you when I see you…I guess.” – Never leave an interview without asking about the next step. Ask your interviewer whether you should contact him or her or if you will be contacted and ask about the timeline for decision making.
