What was it that caught the eye of this recruiter: specialized experience, unique training or a steady history of career advancement? Revisit your resume from the point of view of the interviewer.
The Internet can serve you well in the preparation of personalized cover letters targeted at the recipients' needs. Visit the company web site again and start taking notes. You can gather this information from news articles, the latest press releases or the company's annual report.
The more you learn about your callback company, the better you're going to feel walking in that door. Knowledge is power. Knowledge will make you more confident in your attitude and your answers.
Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so
Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation
Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands with your interviewer firmly
Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the job opening
Answering in single words like yes or no unless explicitly asked to do so
Pretending to know something or someone when you don't
Making negative remarks about present or former employers - When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally
Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal
Inquiring about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you.
If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development.