10 Best Job Interview Tips for Jobseekers

by LiveCareer Staff Writer

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

When you have successfully mastered the dual arts of how to make a resume and how make a
cover letter, and you begin receiving requests for interviews, it’s time to understand how to succeed
in the job interview so that you are ever closer to your goal of obtaining one or more job offers. This
article focuses on the ten most important job interviewing tips for jobseekers.

WHAT IS YOUR WORK PERSONALITY TYPE?

Which describes you best?

Question 1 out of 6

I am thoughtful
and reserved

I am Outgoing
and positive

1. Conduct Research on the Employer, Hiring Manager, and Job Opportunity

Success in a job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge on the jobseeker’s part. You
should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person (or
people) interviewing you. The more research you conduct, the more you’ll understand the employer,
and the better you’ll be able to answer interview questions (as well as ask insightful questions” see
#8). Scour the organization’s website and other published materials, search engines, research tools,
and ask questions about the company in your network of contacts.

2. Review Common Interview Questions and Prepare Your Responses

Another key to interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. First, ask
the hiring manager as to the type of interview to expect. Will it be one-on-one or in a group? Will it be
with one person, or will you meet several members of the organization? Your goal is to try to
determine what you’ll be asked and to compose detailed yet concise responses that focus on
specific examples and accomplishments.

A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them into a story form that you can tell in the
interview. No need to memorize responses (in fact, it’s best not to), but do develop talking points.
There are excellent tools available to help you with interview questions and responses. Also,
consider using the STAR Interviewing Technique.

3. Dress for Success

Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional
appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than under”
and to wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum.
Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview” and if possible, brush your teeth or use
mouthwash.

4. Arrive on Time, Relaxed and Prepared for the Interview

There is no excuse ever for arriving late to an interview. Short of a disaster, strive to arrive about 15
minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to
get settled. Arriving a bit early is also a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace.

The day before the interview, pack up extra copies of your resume or CV and reference list. If you
have a portfolio or samples of your work, bring those along too. Finally, remember to pack several
pens and a pad of paper to jot notes. Finally, as you get to the offices, shut off your cell phone. (And
if you were chewing gum, get rid of it.)

5. Make Good First Impressions

A cardinal rule of interviewing is to be polite and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet” from
the parking attendant to the receptionist to the hiring manager. Employers often are curious how job
applicants treat staff members” and your job offer could easily be derailed if you’re rude or arrogant
to any of the staff. When it’s time for the interview, keep in mind that first impressions” the
impression interviewers get in the first few seconds of meeting you” can make or break an
interview.

Make a strong first impression by dressing well (see #3), arriving early (see #4), and when greeting
your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm“ but not bone-crushing“
handshake.

Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer are
vital in the initial stages of the interview; studies show that hiring managers make critical decisions
about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.

6. Be Authentic, Upbeat, Focused, Confident, Candid, and Concise

Once the interview starts, the key to success is the quality and delivery of your responses. Your goal
should always be authenticity, responding truthfully to interview questions. At the same time, your
goal is to get to the next step, so you’ll want to provide focused responses that showcase your skills,
experience, and fit” with the job and the employer. Provide solid examples of solutions and
accomplishments” but keep your responses short and to the point.

By preparing responses to common interview questions (see #2), you’ll ideally avoid long, rambling
responses that bore interviewers. Always attempt to keep your interview responses short and to the
point. Finally, no matter how much an interviewer might bait you, never badmouth a previous
employer, boss, or co-worker. The interview is about you” and making your case that you are the
ideal candidate for the job.

7. Remember the Importance of Body Language

While the content of your interview responses is paramount, poor body language can be a
distraction at best” or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective forms of body language include
smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, and nodding. Detrimental forms of body
language include slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair,
brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum, or mumbling.

8. Ask Insightful Questions

Studies continually show that employers make a judgment about an applicant’s interest in the job by
whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Thus, even if the hiring manager was thorough in his
or her discussions about the job opening and what is expected, you must ask a few questions. This
shows that you have done your research and that you are curious. The smart jobseeker prepares
questions to ask days before the interview, adding any additional queries that might arise from the
interview.

9. Sell Yourself and then Close the Deal

The most qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired; the winning candidate is often the
jobseeker who does the best job responding to interview questions and showcasing his or her fit with
the job, department, and organization. Some liken the job interview to a sales call. You are the
salesperson” and the product you are selling to the employer is your ability to fill the organization’s
needs, solve its problems, propel its success.

Finally, as the interview winds down, ask about the next steps in the process and the timetable in
which the employer expects to use to make a decision about the position.

10. Thank Interviewer(s) in Person, by Email, or Postal Mail

Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing; thus, the importance of thanking each
person who interviews you should come as no surprise. Start the process while at the interview,
thanking each person who interviewed you before you leave. Writing thank-you emails or notes
shortly after the interview will not get you the job offer, but doing so will certainly give you an edge
over any of the other finalists who didn’t bother to send thank-you notes.

Final Thoughts on Job Interview Success

Succeeding in job interviews takes research, practice, and persistence. The more effort you put into
your interview preparation, the more success you’ll see in obtaining job offers” especially if you
remember and follow these ten job interviewing tips.

The Best Outfits for Job Interviews

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Illustration by Ashley DeLeon. © The Balance, 2018

BY ALISON DOYLE

Updated September 24, 2018

What's the best outfit to wear to a job interview? Your options will vary depending
on the type of job and company you're interviewing with. You always want to
dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on
whether you're interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, a casual
startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.

Here's information on how to dress for an interview, including advice on what,

and what not, to wear, how to impress a prospective employer, business vs.
business casual attire, and general tips on dressing for success.

 01

Professional / Business Interview Attire

Copyright Sturti/E+/Getty Images

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one.
The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look
and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress appropriately
for a job interview.

Generally, you want to wear professional, or business, attire. For men, this might
mean a suit jacket and slacks with a shirt and tie, or a sweater and button
down. For women, this might mean a blouse and dress pants or a statement
dress. You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit.
Whether you are a man or woman, you also want to think about the colors you
wearfor an interview. Avoid anything too bright or flashy that will distract the
hiring manager.

 02

Non-Professional / Business Casual Interview Attire

Pando Hall / Getty Images

If you have a job interview in an informal work environment, you might wear
a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but
they are also more professional and polished than, say, a t-shirt and shorts or a
sundress and sandals.

Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business
casual is acceptable. If you aren’t sure, call the office and ask the administrative
coordinator or contact the person who scheduled the interview for advice.

Always dress a bit more professional than the average employee at the
company. If everyone is wearing shorts and t-shirts, for example, you might wear
khakis and a polo shirt or button down.

Here's what to wear when dressing for an interview when the dress code is
business casual.

 03

Casual Interview Attire

Georgijevic / Getty Images

If you have an interview at a startup company, nix the head-to-toe formal

business attire. Rather than showing up in a black suit and dress shoes, opt for
something that is relaxed but still presentable: relaxed-fit khakis, dark-wash
jeans, and a nice top, for example.
Read here for more information on how to look appropriate and professional for a
startup interview.

 04

Best Job Interview Hairstyles

Copyright Hero Images/Getty Images

There are lots of ways to style your hair for a job interview. While some options
are funky and others are more traditional, remember that your hairstyle should
not distract the employer. You will want your hair to be professional and polished,
like your entire outfit.

Here are the best job interview hairstyles for short, medium, and long hair.

 05

How to Do Your Makeup for a Job Interview

Moment Images / Getty Images

When you do your makeup for a job interview, it's important to make a good
impression – without making too much of an impression by overdoing your
makeup. Like your hair, your makeup should not distract the interviewer.

Check out these interview makeup do's and don'ts before you get ready to
interview.

 06

College Job Interview Attire

Thomas Barwick/Iconica/Getty Images

While college students might dress casually in the classroom, they should dress
professionally when interviewing for a professional job or internship.
Less formal is acceptable when interviewing for campus jobs and more informal
workplace jobs. However, you still want to dress professionally for most
positions, even if they are entry-level. Review these tips on what to wear to an
interview for college women and college men, as well as what to wear for an
interview for an internship.

 07

High School Interview Attire

Weekend Images Inc. / Getty Images

As is the case with any interview, it's important to look well dressed and put
together even if you're a high school student looking for a part-time job.

Here's how to dress for an interview for high school students.

 08

Internship Interview Attire

Geri Lavrov / Getty Images

Internships are an important part of career development, and like any job, acing
your interview is one part of getting the position you want. Making a great first
impression – coming across as polished, professional and attentive – is important
when it comes to your internship search.

Here's what to wear for an internship interview, based on whether the company
environment is formal or casual, or somewhere in between.

 09

Summer Job Interview Attire

Steve Debenport / Getty Images

Are you interviewing for a summer job? Typically, these jobs are more casual,
and do not require professional attire. However, you still want to look polished
and professional.

Here are tips to wear to make the best impression, including interview attire for
male and female applicants, what to bring with you, and how to dress for a
casual interview.

 10

Warm Weather Interview Attire

Tim Kitchen/Stone/Getty Images

Do you have an interview in the hot summer months? There are a few things you
can do to look professional but feel cool in a job interview.

Review tips on what to wear for a warm-weather interview, depending on the

work environment and type of job.

 11

Interview Accessories

eclipse_images / Getty Images

When you dress for an interview, how you accessorize is important. When
wearing accessories to an interview, less is more. It's also important to choose
accessories that will enhance your interview attire – not overwhelm it.

 12

Wearing Pantyhose to Interviews

Copyright Buero Monaco/ Taxi / Getty Images

 There is a lot of debate over whether or not women should wear pantyhose for
job interviews. Here is information on when to wear pantyhose to work or to job
interviews, and when it's appropriate to skip the leg wear.

 13

Interview Outfits for Men

Morsa Images / Getty Images

It can difficult to put a professional interview outfit together. Here are some basic
tips for men on how to dress for an interview, including what colors to wear,
whether to wear a tie (and what kind), and more.

 14

What Not to Wear on an Interview

Photo-Biotic / Getty Images

When you are dressing for a job interview, image really is everything (or most of
it). An unprofessional outfit can distract an interviewer from seeing your great
qualities.

Here's what not to wear when you are interviewing for a new job.

1. Dress better than the guy next to you.

When preparing for an interview, look at the next two positions directly above the one you’re
applying. Use their dress code to determine what to wear to an interview. This shows you
have the drive to move up in life. For example, applicants interviewing for shift supervisor at
Walmart may wear khakis and a polo shirt on the job. However, go the extra mile and impress
the hiring manager by showing up in a suit and tie. This shows the boss you have an executive
mentality. Before an interview, be sure you:
 Research dress codes for your position and industry.
 Look at the two immediate positions above you for inspiration.
 Dress for success, but don’t go overboard.

2. Dress the part.

Hollywood actors know playing the part is more than reciting lines and choosing the right
moment to let loose a tear, their wardrobe has to complement their performance. When it's
time to get dressed for the interview, keep in mind that it’s not so much that you're trying to
get the job with what you wear, you’re incorporating your attire into the overall presentation.
Hiring managers decide in 10 seconds if they don't want to hire you. If your presentation is
flawless and attire matches, they may have a more difficult time eliminating you from their
list. Before the interview, be sure to:
 Wear neutral colors, and stay away from patterns.
 Google interview videos to see the current trends.
 Consider comfort and climate at the office.

3. Stay up-to-date.
Interviews are all about sending messages. Nothing sends a bad message faster than an
outdated interview outfit that does not adhere to day's dress code. This doesn’t mean you have
to wear the current fad, just stay away from clothes older than five years. Wearing fresh, new
styles sends the message you are in touch with the here and now.
Another red flag to watch for is going too fresh and casual. Yes, hiring managers want to see
young, fresh styles. They want to know you are part of the new world. They don’t want to see
nose rings, sandals, or applicants who look like they are ready for a night out with their
friends. Don’t dress like you just graduated college, even if this is the case. Dress like you’ve
had similar jobs or better. Remember to:
 Say no to clothes and styles older than five years.
 Don’t go too casual or dress like you’re on your way to the club.
 Stay up-to-date on current styles.

4. Remember the occasion.

Suit and tie or other professional garb may not always be the best route to go. Some jobs
simply don’t require formal attire. Remember, you are painting a picture of the type of
candidate you are with the interview dress code. The best way to avoid embarrassment is
research. Talk to local recruiters and college education centers. They know the industry and
will guide you in appropriate dress.
Another occasion to prepare for is weather and climate. Wearing a thin dress shirt and tie may
not be very practical during Michigan’s colder winters. A dress sweater over the shirt would
fit the climate perfectly. On the other hand, stuffy dress clothes may be uncomfortable if
you’re interviewing in Nevada’s desert heat. General rule of thumb: Dress the part, but make
sure you stay comfortable. Remember to:
 Pick clothes to accommodate the climate and season.
 Research the industry to determine the best attire.
 Stay comfortable, and don’t try to wear something you know makes you sweat.
5. Stay comfortable.
Again, comfort is important in interviews. Hiring managers can spot someone who is nervous
and uncomfortable. Your discomfort may come from those new shoes you bought yesterday.
The hiring manager doesn’t know that. They may assume you are nervous due to
inexperience or reason. When deciding what to wear to an interview, pick your clothes to help
you win the job. Your attire should compliment. Don’t wear brand new clothes. Wear an
outfit that is tried and true. Break in new shoes at least several days before the big day. And,
remember the biggest embarrassment to avoid: remove the tags. Remember to:
 Wear clothes you are comfortable with, not new, itchy suits that’s never been worn.
 Break in your shoes.
 Always remove the tags after purchase.

Takeaways
Dressing for success isn’t difficult. You just need to do a little homework on interview dress
code and make sure to be yourself. Interview apparel should complement your presentation,
much like an actor’s wardrobe. Consider the industry, position, two positions above you and
climate. These will help you develop a perfect match every time. While there is no true set of
guidelines, keep the following in mind:
 Stay comfortable.
 Think stylish and current rather than glamorous.
 Dress like you’ve been in the industry longer than you have