The moment has come. You’re in front of the person or people that will decide to hire you or not and your potential job is at stake in just one interview. Don’t waste the chance.

We recommend the following advice:

POSITION AND MOVES

First impressions are really important so you must give a good impression. Many employers consider after seeing the candidate walk through the door, watch the way the shake hands and sit down, they’re able to decide if they’re right or not.

• Greet your interviewer in a conventional way.
• Sit straight. Sitting on the edge of the chair usually shows insecurity, and being too cool shows lack of respect.
• Don’t be the first to extend your hand, wait for them.
• Greet with a handshake and smile, making eye-contact.
• Don’t sit down until you’re told.
• Don’t call the person by their first name unless they tell you to.
• Listen and be nice.
• Try not to be nervous and, if you are, avoid gestures that make it show (biting nails, move too much…)
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t interrupt
• Make eye-contact but don’t intimidate your interviewer
• Don’t talk too much or too little
• Watch your language
• Don’t seem agressive or too sensitive
• Don’t get too close to your interviewer
• Don’t put your elbows on the table
• Don’t cross your arms, you’ll seem defensive
• If they offer you a drink, accept but no alcoholic drinks

EXPRESSIONS

• Think before you answer
• Answer clearly and briefly
• Always tell the truth
• If you’re asked about yourself, emphasize your education, experience and achievements
• Don’t use over-elaborated words
• Don’t be evasive or answer with monosyllabic words
• Don’t take to long to answer, you could seem distracted
• Don’t use expressions like “always, never” or typical sentences like “you know; well; like…”
• Show enthusiasm but don’t beg for the job
• Never say anything bad about the enterprises you’ve worked for
• Don’t refuse answering certain questions
• If you’re asked something like: “if you go go on a trip with your boyfriend, do you ask for a single or double room?, say in your opinion it’s irrelevant for the job, be serious but not agressive. The purpose of these questions are to see your reactions to them.

ATTITUDE

• Think positive
• Don’t beg for the job
• Don’t say you desperately need it
• Don’t criticize past employers

INTEREST

• Make questions but not too many
• If you have any doubts, ask about posibilities of promotion, the company or the position
• Salary is a complicated topic. Ask if you have any doubts, but don’t let it seem like it’s your main concern
• Be thankful