Congrats – you’ve got an interview! That means:
- The employer feels you are one of the best candidates for the position
- On paper it already looks like you can do the job
Now it’s time to prove it.
There are lots of ways to put your best foot forward with employers, but these four steps are must-do’s for any job interview.
1. Dress professionally
Your interview clothes don’t have to be expensive to make a great impression. You can dress for an interview for under $20!
2. Arrive early
Be at least 10 minutes early to your job interview. If an unavoidable emergency does pop up or you get stuck in serious traffic, then call the interviewer to let them know you're going to be late. Showing up late without a phone call is a guaranteed way to lose out on a job.
3. Turn your phone off
Getting random calls and texts while you’re talking with a hiring manager are mistakes that can ruin your interview. And if it does ring, don’t even think about answering your phone.
4. Ask thoughtful questions
If you’re well-qualified and present yourself professionally, nothing seals the deal like having a few great questions to ask during an interview; it shows the hiring manager you’ve really put thought into this job.
That’s the basics, but there’s plenty more where that came from – check out all our interview tips to make sure you put your best foot forward (and calm down the butterflies – don’t worry, we all get them!).
About Amy White
I recently went on a job interview and followed all four of those tips exactly as you described. However, in spite of my best efforts, I wasn’t offered the job because the employer felt “[I] wasn’t a good fit.” What does that mean and how do I avoid an employer dismissing me like that in future interviews?
Well it’s either you did something horribly wrong that you didn’t notice or the employer isnt the type that you should use those tips with. You should get an overall feel of the emploer beefore the interview to see what will work.
Not necessarily, it may just be that there was another better fit or better qualified candidate. Keep up the great work Maria! If you’re wondering whether your interview skills are holding you back, ask one of your friends to hold a mock interview with you – or you can practice answering interview questions int he mirror. It sounds silly, but it works!
i found a job advertising need a machine operator i had the skill
and applied for the job couple weeks later they called me to come
down to take an assessment test to find out that i was a good fit
not an excellent fit i didn’t understand if i got the experience shouldn’t
i at least get a chance to show them that i can do the job also several
other people i knew was told the same thing whats up with that?
Hi Alan – They told you that your assessment answers indicated that you were a good fit but not an excellent one?
Be thankful they told you, you were not a good fit. That means that there are personalities in that department that would clash with your personality, which could turn out devastating for you.
Can you really dress for an interview for $20!?
Absolutely! Check out the article link to find out exactly how
Absolutely! You can find professional looking clothing at stores like Kohl’s. THey have sales pratically every weekend!
Yes, thrift shops are great when it comes to getting interview clothes. I already had the pants from top man from some time ago, so no worries, but i did get a button down shirt and a blazer at my local thrift shop. If you like unworn clothes, H&M isn’t too bad either. Had a vest from them and it wasn’t that expensive. Cheaper priced than top man actually…
Yes, try Goodwill. I purchased a pair of wool DKNY dress slacks $6 (retail $100) and a Jos A Banks dress shirt $5 (retail $70). After dry cleaning the grand total was $16. (this is assuming you already have a belt, shoes and socks. With a little patience you can find a complete suit for around $11 add in the dress shirt, you are still spending $16, but the dry cleaning will take you over the $20 limit. If you are starting with nothing, take the time to shop on a regular basis, add pieces slowly and you can build a very professional wardrobe from the ground up and not spend alot of money. One good thing to mention, while shopping the many location in the Atlanta area, I noticed dry cleaning labels still attached to some of the merchandise. Come to find out, some of the local dry cleaners will donate abandoned clothing to Goodwill. So, to make a long story short, you can dress for an interview for $20.
Whenever I go for a job interview I always arrive early. I’d rather be too early over being too late. I also never have my cell phone on. I always dress to impress. These things don’t seem to help me. Every interview that I’ve had over the last few months have asked me different questions. Maybe that’s where I went wrong, I didn’t give them the answers they were looking for.
Hi Shelia, do you remember the questions that were asked? We might be able to help you with your interview skills so you can nail your next interview!
what i like to do is write my questions down on a index card as well as quetions i want to ask the interveiwer,
Why is out do hard for me to get a job I work at a fast food chain I go to school full time n I’m a ex felon how can or what can I do to land a better job please help!
Hi Tyrone – Your situation is a little complicated. Availability is very important to employers and it may be hard for them to work with your schedule. We have a lot of articles about searching for a job with a record: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/?s=felon I think these could really help you! Be sure all of your applications are free of spelling and grammar errors. Even the smallest mistake can make the biggest difference.
Sheila you are not alone! I have been looking for work for over 4 months now and when I am lucky enough to get an interview I feel like I do everything right. I am always worried that I am going to say or do something wrong because the last interviews I went to apparently didn’t go well. I never heard back from them and I have called to ask if the postion has been filled and in most cases it was. It just feels like an endless joke to me.
Tschelle & Sheila…I also have been looking for work for about 7 months now. When I land an interview and I feel its going well, I always hear..”you’ve got a great resume and credentials but we decided to go with another candidate” This is getting really old! I’m either under-qualified or over qualified and that to me is bunch of malarkey. I have just been in the workforce for many years and have experience and even got my AA degree (feel like that’s going to waste)! If your transitioning into maybe another position how are you going to gain that experience unless you are given the chance..make sense?? Just frustrating!
Hi Kimberly – Are you using this email address when applying for jobs? It may be holding you back. Try using something generic like your name. Also, if you feel like you are being looked over for jobs you are overqualified for, check out these tips: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/im-overqualified/. Good luck!
I am not even getting interview calls! I’ve been out of work for over 2 years! I have over 20 years of experience in administrative and accounting, but, I don’t have a degree. I’m seeing jobs posted for less money than I was making over 5 years ago and they want a BA???!!! I had to accept a temp job paying what I made when I was 20 years old because every job I’m a great fit for (that I’ve actually done for other companies) want you to have a BA just to interview! I can’t afford to go to school nor do I want to have to learn 4 years worth of stuff that’s not even related to my career just to get back to where I was when I started! It’s nuts!
Is good to now all this information. Help very much to have a good interview.
Thanks David! Good luck with your interviews
I, also, have done everything that has been requested. The employer looks you in the face and tells you that you are a good candidate, but you never hear from them. This is after they have committed to do a call back. This has happened on several occasions. I have taken assessment tests with good results and still do not get the job. I’m getting on in years, but still not old enough to retire. I went on to a community and graduated in May 2011 to better my chances of being a workable candidate.
Hi Phyllis, great job going to community college – that was a smart move! Are you sending thank you notes after your interviews or otherwise following up with them?
You know it had been my experience as a interviewing manager that if I say don’t call us we will call you ….I mean it . Don’t call me every other day asking about the job .. even if anf and after I have told you I have hired someone .. it become a nuisance…
Absolutely, if a hiring manager or job post says not to follow up – don’t. Any advice on ways a job seeker can stand out without annoying their interviewer?
Hello Amy i briefly read your post about following up and writing thank you notes. Can you please give me more information on it. I am 42 years old i have just relocated from Miami Florida, i have several years of customer service and i have been on several interviews but no job offers. I have never had this many No’s, any advice?, Thank you
Hi Phyllis..sounds like we are in the same boat! I think the assessments are time consuming and should not be in the decision making..they say they are not but really? I am also getting up in the years and I would like to be able to retire comfortably when the times comes and I really want to go back and get my Bachelors degree but at this point I’m going to hold off til something comes about! I wish everyone luck!
Hi Phyllis, at least you’re getting your foot in the door for an interview! I’ve tried changing my my resume, my cover letter, I don’t know what else to do……I will never get a job if I don’t even get an interview.
helo you can ask any question
One question I was asked at an interview was ‘ Tell me about a time when you set a goal for yourself and how did you follow through on that goal?’
The answer I gave was even though it was hard I set the goal to graduate from college. I wasn’t the best student and it was difficult. I told myself to keep going and my family also encouraged me to go on.
I don’t know if that’s the answer they wanted, but it was the one I thought of.
That sounds great! Highlights your determination and higher education
I have had alot of the same experiences that these people are gpoing thru now. I am currently working, but I had gone to a jobfair and just got lucky after being out of work for about 1.5yrs. Also, I had taken a course thru Goodwill of SWPA in Administrative Office Procedures in order to
learn microsoft office, but the job I am doing has nothing to do with what I had learned. So, I feel everyone’s pain. Hope everyone that posted g finds a job soon! Good luck everyone.
Sincerely,
Anthony S
I am finally getting face to face interviews & I’m nailing the interviews. But then being sent e-mails every time saying we do not have a position for you at this time. How can you nail an interview & then not offered the job? The qualifications are so there, I’m in my early 50′s are they hiring the younger candidates? I am at a complete loss, HELP!!!!
Hi Bryta – In a competitive market, there are many other people applying for every position and they might be nailing the interview as well. Make sure you aren’t making any of these interview mistakes: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-mistakes/ (I made many of those before I started practicing). I know it’s frustrating, but you may be going on many many interviews until you find the job that is right for you. The good new is that your resume must be in good shape to be getting called in for the interview itself. You have passed a huge hurdle!
I can understand what you all are talking about as I have been seeking a job since I moved to Florida and no luck. I have had 4 interviews for receptionist at doctors offices. I worked 10 1/2 yrs. experience doing various jobs in a doctors office and went to college and got my AA degree in medical coding. I don’t have my certification as of yet, but I do have experience. I felt the interviews went well. But I still didn’t get hired. I feel like why bother to get further education and have all the school dept when no one wants to hire you. I have in the past never had a problem getting a job, but I am 60 yrs old now and overweight and I think that is what is preventing me from getting a job. I am a good worker and very dedicated to whom ever I work for. So I can understand where you are coming from.
Hi Denise – Have you thought about volunteering in your desired field? You would gain experience and references.
I’ve been a retail sales manager for over 20 years. I’m no kid anymore, but I’m incredibly experienced and knowledgeable. It’s a hard road when you’re not 25 yrs old anymore. Most jobs (these days, anyway) all require a 4 Yr degree. I know a lot of people who spend their lives working towards a Liberal Arts degree, which means NOTHING in the real world, or degrees that are clearly not pertinent to the job market or what most employers really want. But it also seems that experience means nothing either. It’s a crap shoot at best. All you can do is work your “mojo” in your interview and be confident! The old saying “Never Let Them See You Sweat” is more than just a catch phrase.
i don’t know what to do because i completed only to the 9th grade in specail ed . Now i’m 54 yr.s old and have hard time doing aplications on line on the computer. i’ve never had a problem before now jn the last 2yr.s i can’t find a job. What can i do?
Hi Teri – Computer skills are essential in today’s job market. Have you thought about signing up for computer classes at your local library or community center? They may be free or will require a small participation fee. If you are not comfortable with filling out applications online, try going into the places you are interested in with your resume and hand. Ask if they are hiring and leave your resume behind. Be sure to dress as you would for an interview, you never know who you may meet!
I have been working in retail sales, unfortunately in my last job I was fired/terminated for not being consistently able to reach our sales goals. I have been looking for work for 4 months now, and have been interviewed several times already. And everytime the interviewer asks why I left work, i am always dumbfounded as to what to say. I have answered before that i was terminated because I wasn’t reaching the sales quota, of course it didn’t work. I also have told some that I quit because the job was not a good fit for me, also didn’t work. I have also told some that I was forced to quit by the management due to sales issues, of course you wouldn’t want them to think that you were fired for some illegal, criminal or reputation/credibility issues. Is it okey not to tell I was fired from my last job? Will they find out? Or…so what do I tell the interviewer the next time i get asked that question?
Hi Lisa – It is a good idea to be honest when asked why you are not longer with your previous employer. They may call your old supervisor as a reference and you won’t want to have conflicting stories. Area you searching for jobs in sales? If not, you could say that you accepted a position that you were not a right-fit for and and you now realize that sales is not the best path for you.
I’m 46 years old, have had numerous positions in several different fields. I don’t seem to be having problems getting interviews, but I am tired of hearing I’m “overqualified” for the position I’m applying for. Why can’t employers figure out sometimes people don’t care about that, they just want the job so they can pay their bills and get on with their life.
Hi Bill – We just wrote an article about this that I think may help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/im-overqualified/.
I want to say thank you for the vital information of what and how to handle a interview. I haven’t been on an interview in about 15 years and I just want to say that I followed your advice and was asked to a second interview. I had my second interview and I am now employed with that company. The information does work and once again I want to say thank you.
That is wonderful, Angela! You have completely made my day. Hope you’ll share your story – http://www.snagajob.com/resources/share-your-story/ We love to celebrate success
http://www.snagajob.com/resources/tags/i-got-hired!
This is good advice. Perhaps it’s because I’m a little older, but a lot of it seems like common knowledge. I’d especially like to know what kind of person is stupid enough to actually answer their phone during an interview. Just because it rings doesn’t mean you must obey it that second.
I have an interview later today. I’m keeping in mind all sorts of questions. I’m trying to remain calm and relaxed, but I’m anxious to get it over with. I usually ask for early interviews, but in this case I had to work with company standards and what times they had available.
I’m going to keep these four rules in mind. Thanks for the great advice.
You’ve got this, Shelia! Keep us posted on how the interview went and good luck!!
Hello, I’m also having a hard time with finding a job.
Its been since May of last year since i haven’t work and its really hard and you definitely have to have experience in rather were you wanna work.
I have tried so many times to make sure that I have giving everything i have to offer I dress up nice, and always early I’m very polite also. I feel that sometimes its hard if you don’t have enough experience but how are you ever gonna gain experience if they don’t hire you then it just take’s even longer to find a good job. It’s been very hard And I have tried everything
Hi Jennifer – I am sorry to hear things haven’t been working out very well. Have you thought about volunteering in the field you are interested in? This way you can get experience and also gain valuable references in your field of interest. It sounds like you are taking the right steps when interviewing. In a competitive market, you may be applying for awhile before you hear something. Good luck and keep us posted!
I just like to say this is a great site and is full of good information. I’m gathering and studying all the tips as if I was in school. I’ve worked for one company for the last 17yrs. Moving up through different positions (non-management) and then my final position of delivery driver for the last 3yrs, before I decided to resign. I resigned because the job was very demading, the physical stress was making me sick, long work hours and my doctor suggesting counseling. So I am a lot rusty at job searching and interviewing. My question is what do I tell a potential employer about the reason I left my last job, being that the jobs I am applying for are mostly similar to my last job, but they don’t seem as demanding. Should I be totally honest? I’m afraid it will make me seem weak or something, and take the focus off of my 17yrs of loyal and dedicated work.
Hi Reggie – I am glad you are using our site to assist in your job search! Try explaining that while you enjoy the field of work and the type of position, you realized, after 17 years, that the company wasn’t the right fit for you. Turn the focus around to the type of employee you are. Good luck with your searching and let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for all the tips are very helpful , i m very positive that i will get a job the right job for me will come . i know it !!
Hi Karen! It sounds like you have a great attitude, and that will take you far. Please keep us posted on your job search and let me know if you have any questions!
Hello!
To Whom It May Concern That...
If you please, I would like to work with you, and to get a job opportunity with your teamwork, I am appreciating, valuing, and interesting to this career.
The following data is my CV in English, please read it too, and make sure that I am too serious for this work…
Hi Ahmed! Your best bet would be to apply directly to the employer, they will most likely not see you on this blog. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
They spelled “manager” wrong in this article -___-
“Getting random calls and texts while you're talking with a hiring manger are mistakes that can ruin your interview. And if it does ring, don't even think about answering your phone.”
Good catch! It has been fixed
no no never
I’ve been having problems with trying to find another job. I was recently laid off the end of April and have filled out plenty of retail and receptionist applications. Not one interview yet and I’m getting really frustrated and defeated. I wasn’t able to finish my last 5 months of high school due to my mother being sick and taking care of her. I’m 24 yrs old now and I’m taking my tests for my GED June 7th. Do you think that is the main reason why I can’t get a job now, even though I have the retail and receptionist experience?
Hi Kelly- I am sorry you are frustrated. Have you been following up on your applications? This is a very important step that is often overlooked in the job search. Also, is this the email address you are using in your job search? It may be holding you back. While not inappropriate, it does come across as unprofessional. This sounds small, but recruiters do care about your email address.
hey sweet heart maybe if you just be your self at all time it should never matter because the lord have something in stored for everyone so good luck =)
I would suggest a 5th rule: online you can find sites that list what questions applicants have been asked in their interviews. Some questions come up in all/most interviews. If you anticipate what you’ll be asked, you can get an idea of how to answer, and rock the interview. I firmly believe that that is what led to me getting a job offer today.
Hi Patrick! That is great advice! We actually have a lot of articles covering common interview questions: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-tips/interview-questions-answers/. CONGRATS on the job offer!! Will you tell us more about it? Even if you didn’t find it though us, we still want to celebrate with you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/share-your-story/. You have completely made my day
I’m glad it made your day! It made mine too! For the interview questions, the searches that I did were specific to the company and position, though I definitely also used the questions at the page you linked.
I’m on the success story page now
And even better, I found out about, and applied for, the job through you guys!
My Two Cents,
Great advice, I would lend one other piece of advice conduct your job search as if it is a job. After my lay-off in April, I got up each morning prayed and then went to work. My daily work schedule included job searchs, networking with friends and business contacts, writing cover letters and tweaking my resume to make it stronger. Look at your unemployment as journey broken into three 3 stages; 1) Getting a interview 2) Doing well in the interview that they call you back for a second interview 3) Once on the job be the model employee. To accomplish this you will need a key ingredient other experience and that is “CONFIDENCE” in one’s self. If you don’t believe in you how can you expect anyone else to believe in you. I have just completed my first week with my new employer and my supervisor is very pleased thus far. Each job applicant must look in the mirror each morning and ask the question am I doing all that I possibly can in my job/career search. I hope my comments helped someone.
Iam 18 nexted month ill be 19 i use to be busy i never had time for a job now i have to find a job why do most people not hirrer people who hasnt had a job?
i like the interviewers/managers that don’t even know how to interview people
if your dumb enough to even bring a cell phone to an interview and it goes off and if i was interviewing you i would end it right there and send you on your way.
Im 17 turning 18 in november and its been hard trying to find a job , Ive been looking for a job since I was 14 , Im always volunteering, I apply EVERYWHERE and I call and follow up after and still NO JOB ! most jobs want experience but I dont have any and I really need a job for my son because allowance and money from the baby father isnt enough. I swear I have bad luck or something because all my friends got a job and they dont even try as hard as me , its just not fair ….
Its my first potential job and im nervous. I dont even have clothes to wear, i need money for clothes and i need a job for money. So i was wondering if i went on the interview for a popular clothing store for young adults and teens at the mall, is it ok to wear some blue skinny jeans with no holes and a black/grey shirt with a little of my upper back showing even if my hair covers it?
Hi Cinthia! I would stay away from jeans or clothing that could be unprofessional (even if your hair covers it). Do you have a pair of khakis? Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/look-great-for-less/ and let me know if you have any questions!
I’m a veteran, but got discharged just under two years due to a particular set of circumstances. On top of that, I have followed these four tips for interviews, but I rarely ever get a call back for a position.
Could my status as a full time student be hindering my ability to get a job, or is it something I am doing wrong?
Kim, I have a second interview over the phone next week 10/30/2012, I’m just wondering why not in person? Why over the phone?
Hi Linda! There many be a few reasons to do a phone interview. Perhaps the person you will be talking to is out of town. Or, they are in the process of screening out applicants before bringing in qualified applicants to meet in person. Regardless of the reason, you need to be on your “A” game. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/5-useful-tips-for-phone-interviews/ and let me know how it goes!
What can I say “dissaster “. :(( She asked me some dumb question that it has nothing to do with the Job I’m applying for. I hate phone interview, and next time I’m not even going to try.
I’m trying to land a good job and no one call me or give me a chance for an interview and i have alot of customer service experience. What do I need to do so that I can land a job instead of them saying will call you or sorry someone else is better fit when I have about 5 years of customer service?
Hi I’m sixteen and going to my first job interview thing is it’s a resant and I have no idea what to wear or do
Hi Danay! Check out some sample interview outfits here: http://pinterest.com/snagajob/interview-outfits-for-women/. Also, check out this article which gives you plenty of tips on preparing for your first interview: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/ive-got-an-interivew-now-what/. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
I was laid off back in July of 2012 after working for the same company for 25 1/2 years. My first interview wasn’t until January of 2013. I first spoke to to the lead that I would be working with and we walked around the facility while conversing. I then interviewed with the hiring manager and I suspect this is where things went south. The interview went well I thought, during which, I was asked 60 behavioral questions. It sounds really intense (and at times it was), but it went really fast.
I received a call from my recruiter 2 days later and could tell in less than 5 seconds that it was not good news. Her comment to me (and I quote): “They said you were not a good fit for their cultural set.” Huh? Everyone I’ve told has asked the same question: What in the world does that mean? One person went a step further to say making that comment was illegal. I think the reason my friend said it was because I’m a black individual and while I didn’t take it in a racial way, I was puzzled as to how to take it. There are probably better words that could’ve been used on the hiring managers part, but it is what it is. I think so many interviews go well, but it’s that one thing, that one question that can derail the best of plans. Needless to say, it’s frustrating, but I’ll continue to move forward. I know I’ll work again…it’s just a matter of time. I see it as a lesson in patience and perseverance.
Don’t give up people. Hang in there. I’ve always said something worth having is worth waiting for and I believe it. I just wish it would hurry up! Lol.
Cheers.
I sympathize with all of you. I have been actively seeking employment for the last six months, I have had two interviews, only to be told another candidate was chosen. I have an A.A. degree as well as a B.A. degree. I don’t think or believe I will ever get another job. I really don’t think it is what you know, it is who you know, people in positions to hire are hiring people they know. This type of behavior is not acceptable, and it is hard to prove, but it is happening all the time. I see it all the time, it is not fair to others who want work and who need to work.
Hi Hannah! Your school schedule may be holding you back. Employers do care about availability and want people who have an open schedule. Are you available to work nights and weekends? If so, emphasize this on your applications and cover letters. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Stephen – I am sorry to hear you aren’t having much luck. Check out this video, where we list a few reasons you may not be hearing back from employers: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-why-am-i-not-hearing-back/ and let me know if you have any questions!
I have the same issue, of finding professional clothing and suits, but for plus size. i was shopping at ross and found a great suit dress, for like 15.99! and in my size. that is hard to find for that price. I went to an interview and for once i didn’t feel uncomftrable in a suit. so i say go shop at bargin stores, i’m sure you’ll find somthing way under $20. and if your are regualr size i saw a suit for $17.