So, today I went in for an interview (my first, actually). That turned into two when my interviewer had me interview with his supervisor a few hours later.
Dress as though you will be managing your prospective position. I went for the warehouse manager of an electrical supply company, so grey slacks and an open necked button-up was nice but not ostentatious. If it's an office position, a good suit is appropriate.
Be completely honest. Both of my interviews said, "We don't want experience, we want character." A good interviewer at a good company is looking at not only your qualifications but the consistency of your claims. Impressive credentials don't mean a thing if there is any suspicion about them.
Firm handshake, eye contact, pausing to think can be OK. Pen and small notecard, people hold their names dearly so say them, silence the phone. I'd advise against bringing in coffee or water, but bring your resume if you have one, and a list of references from past work and your personal life. If you've a resume, don't forget to update it. I realized halfway through that a date was off by nearly a year.
I got asked several unexpected questions, some of which I couldn't answer (this is where my pausing came in). I think it's all right to have to recall events; it'd be worse if it seemed rehearsed.
Have the company in mind. The interviewer doesn't care if YOU get the job; they care if the RIGHT PERSON gets the job. "Ask not what the company can do for you, ask what you can do for the company." Maybe this job means money, but maybe you wouldn't feel fulfilled working there. Maybe the company wouldn't be best enabled by you holding that position. A job is about a mutually beneficial agreement, and if your goal is to make the company better through your presence, that's already an impressive stance.
I had to fumble for questions at the close of my first interview. Have a few prepared. "What's the likelihood of overtime?" is a good one. "What's the management structure?" is another.
Never give up hope. After four minutes I was pretty sure I was no longer a candidate. Thirty minutes later he was asking me to come in for a background check and drug testing the next day (tomorrow) because they want me to start as soon as possible.
Best of luck!
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