I’ve had the opportunity to interview over a hundred candidates in my career from entry level hires to Director+.  Here are 12 things you should know about interviewing.  

1. Remember, these are people just like you and I.  You want to make a good impression, treat them like you’d want to be treated.  Be polite, confident and welcoming.
2. Go in and make a good first impression.  Smile, shake their hands (or fist bump if it’s covid!) and make eye contact.  A good smile shows enthusiasm and confidence.
3. Dress the part.  Your nails and hair should be clean and well presented.  It’s OK to ask your recruiter or the person setting up the interview what the typical dress code is.  If it’s in person, don’t overwhelm with perfume, cologne or aftershave.  Guys, don’t wear AXE!  I’m sorry, but this isn’t a high school locker room.
4. Think about how you sit, sit back in the seat but don’t sprawl.  Use good posture, talk with your hands and don’t take up all the space or cower in.
5. Make eye contact, it is usual to make the person who asked the question the person of main focus (If a panel).  Remember to scan the room if it’s a panel so everyone feels included.  Looking at your hands, the floor or out of the window is a real turn off.
6. Have your narrative ready for the, “so tell us a little about yourself” question. I have this scripted out.  Think about the highlights and what you’ve learned from them.  If you have passions, outline them.  If you have led, explain who you led and how.  Show some pride in who you are!  
7. Watch the interviewer’s body language.  Mirror how they present themselves.  If they are a little more reserved, pull back a little.  If you find them to be a personality, don’t be afraid to animate! 
8. Prepare thoroughly, research what the job entails.  Consider the skills and knowledge base needed and do a self-audit comparing it with what you have to offer.  Enthusiasm and energy for the position can often make up for lack of credentials, particularly if it’s obvious that you have done your research and have the potential to learn.
9. Listen carefully; if you don’t understand what they want ask them to repeat the question.  It’s ok to be a little conservative.  Slow it down and don’t rush or be rushed.  Many interviews are also lost because the candidate doesn’t actually listen to the question.
   • Think about exactly what they are asking, what do they need to know? Is it referring to particular skills, knowledge, principles, understanding, your experience etc. 
10. Use the question as a platform to sell yourself.  Use the question to give concrete examples of what you have done/can do.  Use narrative and create the connection between your anecdote and the question.
    • IE Tell me about a failure and something you learned from that failure
      • When I was a young man I was learning how to skateboard.  I had a lot of scrapes, bruises, 2 broken wrists and a broken tail bone!  However, I kept at it and eventually took on to compete in street skating tournaments.  Although I hurt myself quite a bit along the way, I learned through perseverance and vision that I could accomplish a goal.
11. If you don’t know something it isn’t the end of the world, but BE HONEST.  Interviewers would rather hear, I don’t know but I’d be really keen to learn than discover too late that you have been dishonest. 
12. Remember that most people who interview are also anxious, the success of their business is dependent on hiring the right people.  Do your best, be yourself and if you don’t get the job ask for feedback on your interview.  In this way the interview becomes part of your professional development and not a failure.     Good Luck!