Top 100 Job Interview Tips

An Interview Checklist, or 100 Things to Consider Before Your Job Interview

1. Find out if the company is hiring:
   While they may accept applications otherwise, it’s often much easier to find a job if the employer is already looking to hire qualified people.

2. Research your company:
   It’s a good idea to know a little bit about the company before you get into the interview. There’s no reason to ask what the company’s hours are if you can find them online. It also helps during an interview if you can answer questions like “Do you know what we do?” This shows you care about working for the employer.

3. Find out if you’re qualified for the job you’re applying for:
   No employer wants to waste their time if you aren’t qualified for the position you’re applying for. Most applications are clear about what you need to know to apply. While some jobs provide on-the-job training, the company will expect you to have requirements they list.

4. Apply for the job to get an interview:
   Once you’ve found out the company is hiring and learned a little bit about the potential employer and the job title they’re looking to fill, you need to put in an application. It’s hard to get an interview if you never apply. Many jobs these days let you apply online, but if not, ask for an application in person.

5. Organize your application information:
   Have all your application information written out prior to filling out the application. Most businesses hand out a single application. Better to get it correct once then need to edit your information.

6. Fill out the application early:
   If they’re hiring, it means they already need a new employee. Fill out an application as soon as possible for the best chance at getting hired.

7. Be professional when you turn in the application:
   If you can’t apply online or prefer to do it in person, make sure you’re polite, professional, and well-groomed when you turn in your application.

8. Don’t lie on your application:
   Lying will keep you from getting a job or put you in a position you’re unqualified for. Avoid potential problems in the future by being truthful. If you only have a year’s worth of experience, don’t say you have two or five.

9. Don’t lie on your resume:
   Again, lying will hurt your chances of being hired, especially if your employer finds out. Many employers will check things you put on your resume, and you won’t get a call back or an interview if they find out.

10. Have a well-designed resume:
    Keep your resume clean, concise, and visually appealing. For more tips, see our section on resumes.

11. Don’t put references or employers on your resume you don’t want the employer calling:
    Eventually, you’ll have enough employers on your resume you won’t need to list them all, so why put references that won’t speak well of you? Don’t put family members or friends unless you’ve worked for them.

12. Sell yourself in your resume:
    Highlight your best qualities and show off things making you more qualified for the job than others.

13. Take work off for a few hours to make it to your interview:
    If you’re already working and applying for another job or a second one, take work off for the day of the interview. If you take it off in advance, your current employer will understand, and your interviewer will be impressed with your juggling of different commitments. It will also help you stress less about your interview.

14. Get a fresh haircut:
    A fresh haircut can make anyone look better, but do it more than one day in advance. You don’t want to come in smelling like a salon or with the edges a little uneven. Keep it professional, too. Don’t dye your hair bright colors or oddly style it for the interview.

15. Practice your handshake:
    Handshakes say a lot about a person. Too strong can be a sign of dominance or insecurity while too light can indicate indecisiveness or a weak constitution. Be firm and confident. Also, make sure you give a handshake professional. No secret handshakes or colloquial or modern greetings. Make it professional and business-appropriate.

16. Have an answer for “Tell me about yourself.”:
    Be brief and don’t share too much information. The interviewer is looking for you to slip up or tell them the type of thing they want to hear. Usually, they’re asking you “What is it about you that might make me want to work with you?” or “How does your life make you qualified for this position?”

17. Have an answer for “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”:
    The interviewer is looking for commitment here. Don’t be overly confident about running the company, but don’t say you’re leaving in a year either. They want to know you are the best fit for the job, this is a good place to prove it.

18. Have an answer for “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”:
    The more long-term the job, the longer-term your answer should be. This question is asking about professional ambition. Don’t mention personal things like a house and kids unless you can relate it back to how this job will help you get and keep those things.

19. Have an answer for “Why would you like to work here?”:
    The employer wants a good reason to hire you. They already have plenty of bad candidates for the job, why not shine as the best one? If you only want to work at the company to get a foot in the door or work while you wait for something better, don’t mention it. Say something about how interested you are in the work or how you really want to learn about the industry.

20. Have an answer for “Why did you leave your last job?”:
    This question will be asked in most every interview. Never mention anything bad about previous employers. Be as honest as possible, but stay positive. Say something to the effect of how the company didn’t offer you enough advancement potential or hours.

21. Have an answer for “What have you been doing since your last job?”:
    If you’re currently employed, say so. Tell them why this company would be a better fit than the one you currently work with. On the other hand, if you’re unemployed, focus on what you’ve been doing to find new work or improve your marketability.

22. Have an answer for “If you could work for any company, where would you work?”:
    Typically, “right here” is the best answer. The company is looking for long-term ambition, but the interviewer also wants loyalty and commitment. Be ready to answer why.

23. Have an answer for “What are your strengths?”:
    Don’t try to be arrogant or elitist here. Just explain some of the tasks you’re best suited for and why. The employer is already interviewing you, you only need to provide examples. Do not defend yourself.

24. Have an answer for “What are your weaknesses?”:
    We all have weaknesses. Don’t focus on this negatively. Instead, think of a time when you had a really hard project you managed to accomplish and explain how the struggle made you a better person.

25. Have an answer for “Do you work better in a team or alone?”:
    Usually, this is a trick question. Employers don’t want loners who will go off on their own or people who can’t work without a team. Give examples of when you excelled in both environments. They want to know about your individual motivation and potential leadership qualities.

26. Have an answer for “Why should I hire you?”:
    This is one of the most common interview questions. The answer will depend on you and what job you applied for, but stick to what makes you better qualified than anyone else interviewing for this position.

27. Practice saying these answers:
    Just thinking about the questions isn’t enough, though. Practicing them will get you comfortable with your answers and help you remember the right things to say during your interview. You can also look at our section on interview questions for explanations and good answers to the previous questions.

28. Practice answering other questions:
    These aren’t the only possible questions. We have a section with tons of other potential questions your interviewer may ask. The more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be.

29. Create your own questions:
    Although we have a lot of general questions here, there may be more specific ones the interviewer asks. Try to anticipate what the employer may want to know about you and come up with an answer before you have to think about it on the spot.

30. Clean up your social networking profiles:
    Expect employers to do their homework. If you have a Myspace, Facebook, or any other social networking profile unrelated to your professional life, you have two options. Clean it up or make it private. You may also want to change your picture to something respectable if it’s a cartoon character or you at a party. Cleaning up your profile for the professional world takes time and may be a hassle to maintain. Consider limiting your internet profile access to pre-approved friends only.

31. Obtain a professional e-mail address:
    In the digital age, many employers want to contact you before or after the interview by e-mail. If you don’t have an e-mail address on a reputable site using a variation of your name, make one. Employers may think twice about contacting you if your email is waazzzuUUP@111xyz111.com or lilprtyGURL@111xyz111.com.

32. Go to bed early enough:
    Don’t stay out too late or start a two-hour movie when you plan to be in bed in 30 minutes. Try to get plenty of sleep the night before a job interview.

33. Set your alarm:
    Be sure your alarm is set properly. Remember to check both the time and am/pm setting.

34. Get a good night’s sleep:
    If you perform best after eight hours of sleep, don’t get five the night before a job interview.

35. Take only prescribed sleep aids:
    Unless necessary for your health and prescribed by your doctor, sleep aids may leave you groggy or tired in the morning.

36. Be presentable:
    Your appearance is your first impression, so ensure it’s a good one.

37. Shower:
    Don’t work out or take a long bike ride, then dress for your interview. Always take a shower before leaving for a job interview.

38. Use a small amount of cologne or perfume:
    The room you interview in should not smell of your favorite scent. Use discretion when applying cologne or perfume before an interview.

39. Eat a good breakfast:
    Studies show breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating a good breakfast ensures that you’re energetic and attentive during your interview.

40. Brush your teeth:
    Ensure your answers to interview questions are accompanied by confidence only. Fresh breath is part of a professional demeanor.

41. Put on deodorant:
    Most people find interviews somewhat stressful, and stress often translates to odor and perspiration. Remember to apply deodorant before going to a job interview.

42. Comb your hair:
    A neat appearance goes a long way. Remember to comb or style your hair before a job interview.

43. Be clean-shaven or nicely trimmed:
    Ensure that all appropriate exposed areas are clean shaven or that your beard is presentably trimmed.

44. Wear clean clothing:
    Wearing wrinkled or smelly clothing is a blatant sign of unprofessionalism. Prepare for your interview mentally and also by washing your outfit before the interview.

45. Lint-roll your clothes:
    Your interviewer doesn’t need to know you own six cats.

46. Wear complimentary colors:
    Have fashion-minded friends assist you with an appropriate interview outfit if necessary.

47. Determine appropriate interview clothing:
    Don’t show up to an interview in a three-piece suit if the company dress code is business casual. In the same spirit, don’t show up to a formal interview in shorts and a tank top.

48. Wear appropriate clothing:
    Your favorite band T-shirt and saggy jeans will rarely be appropriate interview attire.

49. Always assume casual means business casual:
    If an interviewer informs you to dress casual, don’t throw on the rumpled clothes you wore out last night. Wear clean and appropriate business casual attire.

50. Match your clothing:
    Don’t wear shorts and sandals with a sport coat.

51. Shine your shoes:
    Scuffed or worn footwear can ruin any carefully assembled outfit.

52. Wear matching shoes and socks:
    Don’t wear sneakers with a suit or sweat socks with dress shoes or sandals.

53. Iron your clothes:
    Crisply ironed clothing appears more presentable than the same outfit would if wrinkled.

54. Clean your glasses:
    If wearing glasses to the interview, ensure lenses and frames are clean and free of debris.

55. Do not wear sunglasses:
    Covering up your eyes will lead an interviewer to believe you have something to hide and prevents you from making eye contact.

56. Bring a notepad and pen:
    Before you leave, it might be a good idea to carry a notepad and pen with you. It helps in case the employer provides you with contact information, job training locations, and more.

57. Leave early for the interview:
    Arriving with little time to prepare, flustered over traffic, or late could upset the entire interview process.

58. Arrive at the appropriate time:
    Being ten to fifteen minutes early for an interview shows initiative, but arriving right on time or thirty minutes early may set off red flags.

59. Have a full tank of gas:
    Plan ahead for your gasoline usage while in transit to the interview or plan enough time for a gas station stop prior to leaving for the interview.

60. Turn off your cell phone:
    While you may love your ringtone, your interviewer doesn’t want to hear it.

61. Leave the kids:
    Worrying about children in your car or in the company lobby could increase your stress level and upset your interview performance. Make sure to get a babysitter before going to an interview.

62. Mask your bad qualities:
    You are selling yourself at an interview, so don’t discuss messy divorce proceedings, your struggle with addiction, or other qualities which may cause an interviewer to overlook your good qualities.

63. Mask your habits:
    If you smoke, drink, or use any substance, like garlic, which may cause bad breath or make smells cling to your clothes, use gum, breath mints, or a small amount of cologne or perfume to mask these smells prior to the interview.

64. Spit out foreign objects:
    Do not enter an interview with gum, candy, mints, or other items in your mouth.

65. Use the restroom prior to your interview:
    Needing to use the facilities during an interview could greatly raise your stress level.

66. Avoid problem foods for a full 24 hours:
    Foods you know give you heartburn or gas should be avoided for 24 hours before the interview. These items will only add the stress of an interview to your gastrointestinal issues.

67. Bring copies of your resume:
    Not all interviews are conducted by solo interviewers, so ensure every important person in the room retains a copy of your resume.

68. Stay relaxed:
    Breathe evenly, don’t fidget, and do your best to remain calm and comfortable. In doing so, however, retain a professional demeanor.

69. Maintain good posture:
    While it is important to be relaxed, retaining professional posture is preferable to slouching or slumping over in your chair during the interview.

70. Don’t fidget:
    Fidgeting and other nervous ticks communicate that you are unsure of yourself or perhaps are trying to hide something. Be comfortable and collected during the interview process.

71. Be confident:
    Act self-assured and present yourself as if you are the best candidate. Employers will respect your confidence and give you more consideration.

72. Be optimistic:
    Think positively. Negative thoughts will only bring you down. There is no sense worrying about a job interview. Your time will be better spent preparing for it.

73. Be professional:
    Present yourself in a professional manner. Speak in a professional tone with regard to grammatical rules and polite language. Answer all questions with professionalism in mind. Don’t talk about personal issues or ask personal questions.

74. Be polite:
    Conduct yourself with a polite demeanor. Say “please, thank you, yes sir, no ma’am, etc.” Thank your potential employer for the opportunity after the interview has been conducted.

75. Be courteous:
    Treat your interviewer with respect and courtesy. Don’t crush their hand during the handshake. Do not regularly speak out of turn or interrupt the interviewer.

76. Smile:
    Remember to smile. Smiling is one way to project a confident and friendly image. A simple smile will give a better impression and can be the difference between candidates.

77. Make eye contact:
    Eye contact is another behavior that will project confidence. It also shows an employer that you are respectful and pay attention to what others have to say.

78. Laugh politely:
    Sometimes, an interviewer will make a joke and it is polite to laugh. However, you shouldn’t overdo it. It is not professional to cackle or guffaw during the interview.

79. Do not flirt with your interviewer:
    No matter the circumstances, it is not professional or appropriate to flirt with a potential employer. Even if the interviewer initiates flirting, it is your right to abstain from such behavior. Flirting during the interview can set a bad precedent for office behavior.

80. Compliment the company, not the interviewer:
    It is not polite or appropriate to personally compliment the interviewer. Flattery will not get you the job. It is, however, a good idea to compliment the company as a whole. Employers want to know that you like the company and have a strong desire to land the job.

81. Don’t discuss your habits:
    Whether you smoke, drink, stay up late, or engage in other personal habits that may affect an employer’s decision to hire you. It is not polite or even necessary to discuss them during an interview. Employers cannot legally ask questions about personal issues. As such, it’s a good idea not to voluntarily divulge this information.

82. Know the answers to basic questions (hours, industry, etc.):
    Any basic information. Job applicants should know the industry their potential employer conducts business in as well as other basic information that should have been provided in the job posting. Once armed with this basic information, an interviewee can ask specific questions that will impress the employer.

83. Ask the right questions:
    Only ask questions that are appropriate and not entirely obvious. It’s a good idea to ask questions that make it seem like you have researched the company and prepared for the interview. Again, stay professional when asking questions. No personal questions.

84. Don’t ask the wrong questions:
    There are a number of inappropriate questions that have no place during a job interview. Don’t ask questions that are irrelevant or raise red flags about your moral character or work ethic.

85. Don’t ask about drug testing:
    Refrain from asking questions about drug tests. An employer will tell you if a drug test is required. Asking this question makes it seem like you don’t want to take a drug test.

86. Don’t ask about background checks:
    Like drug tests, an employer will tell you if a background check is required for employment consideration. Asking this question makes it seem like you have a criminal record that you are trying to hide.

87. Don’t ask “Are you going to call my past employers?”:
    Asking about contact with past employers also makes it seem like you are trying to hide something. If you don’t want an interviewer to contact past employers, don’t put them on your resume.

88. Don’t ask about time off:
    It is inappropriate to ask about time off and other benefits during the interview. Asking this question will make the employer question your work ethic.

89. Don’t ask about hours:
    An employer will tell you about the work schedule if it is out of the ordinary (i.e. not 9-5). Asking about hours makes it seem like you are a clock-watcher. Employers want employees to work hard whether it’s 10:00am or 4:45pm.

90. Don’t ask about money up front:
    Asking about money alerts the interviewer that you are more concerned with pay than doing actual work. Salary and compensation is important, but shouldn’t be your first priority as a job seeker. Wait until you’ve made a very good impression before bringing up pay.

91. Don’t ask about benefits up front:
    Just like payment, you shouldn’t ask about benefits up front. This kind of talk tells the interviewer that you are more interested in obtaining benefits and other compensation and less interested in doing your job.

92. Don’t extend the interview process:
    No matter how well the interview goes, the interviewer is not your friend. Don’t ask a potential employer out for drinks afterward or refer to the interviewer as buddy or other colloquial terms. This kind of behavior is inappropriate and can only hurt you after a good interview.

93. Don’t lie in your interview:
    Just as you shouldn’t lie on your application or in your resume, don’t embellish your qualifications during the interview process. You don’t want to begin a job under false pretenses. Answer all questions honestly.

94. Sell yourself:
    While you shouldn’t lie, you should sell yourself during the interview. Even if you’re not the most qualified candidate, you should present yourself as if you are the best candidate for the job.

95. Be careful what hobbies you discuss:
    Refrain from discussing hobbies that take up a large portion of your time and attention. You should present yourself as if you’re able to dedicate yourself to the job you’re applying for.

96. Make a good exit:
    End the interview on a strong note. Reemphasize your qualifications and your interest in the position. Shake the interviewers hand before leaving.

97. Say “I look forward to hearing from you.”:
    Telling an employer that you look forward to hearing from them both sets up another encounter and reiterates your desire to land the job.

98. Find out who you to contact later on:
    You want to speak with the proper people about your interview. It makes you look like a more organized and concerned potential employee if you already know whom to contact when you check back later.

99. Send a thank you note:
    Sending a thank you note to an employer after an interview if both polite and thoughtful. It is, however, formal and may be inappropriate for some situations. This practice also reminds the employer of your interview and application.

100. Check back with your prospective employer:
     Depending on the size of the company and nature of the position, you should wait several days to a couple of weeks before checking back. After that time, either call to check on your application or stop in to ask about the status of the position. Checking back will remind the employer of your desire to procure the job.