Sound Advice for On-site Interviews

On-site interviews are your best chance at getting the job. For this reason, you should view them with great anticipation and full of opportunity. Unfortunately, for most people the thought of an on-site interview stirs up memories of sweaty palms or nervous moments. The good news is this can be easily remedied by taking some proactive steps before the interview. Check our tips on how best to prepare for your next one:

1. Conservative Interview Attire Only. Always dress conservatively for interviews. This is not the area where you want to stand out.

2. Exercise during the interview process. Exercise is great for helping you feel better and looking your best. If you could lose a few pounds, don’t be afraid to start jogging. This is a great simple exercise. Also, by losing a few pounds, you reduce the risk of an interviewer pinning you with a negative stereotype concerning the quality of your work. Sadly, there are those out there who believe an overweight person will not provide quality work.

3. Prepare to sell your strengths. In the on-site interview, you will be selling you more than anything else. Show them you are friendly, easy to get along with, and have strengths to bring to the table. How you answer your interview questions and present yourself will go along way in determining if you make the "sale".

4. Preparation is Number One. By preparing for interview questions and working on your answers, you will develop confidence for the interview. Do not neglect this aspect.

5. Arrive with all your necessary interview documents. Take copies of all the written documents you will need or think you will need. In this case, error on the side of caution if you are unsure.

6. Get some sleep. Be sure you are well rested before the interview and allow for plenty of time to travel there. The final day before the interview should be a time to relax with all your interview preparation already completed. By doing so, you will find that you have a better chance of putting your best foot forward in the interview.

7. Be friendly and personable throughout the interview. The on-site interview should not be an interrogation. It is actually a great opportunity for you to see the company and possibly your future co-workers. Be sure you put on your best face to give off the impression you are looking for.

8. Leave them a handout. Provide a list of your accomplishments that pertain to each part of the job. This step gives you a chance to address things not discussed in the interview and gives you a way to separate yourself from the pack.

9. Ask for their business card. Use this information to send them thank you cards.

10. Make clear you want the job. Tell them you want the job. It is not enough to think that they know you want it. Leave no doubt and be direct. This alone can sometimes make the difference in deciding between two candidates.

These tips should help you prepare for your interview. With a little practice, you should be able to go into all on-site interviews with confidence.

Mark McCormick focuses on proactive interview training. His core interest areas are job interview tips and sample interview questions. For more job interview tips and advice like the ones in this article, take a look at the following link: Job Interview Tips.