Interview Tips for 2010

This is my second year recruiting for the Commission. Every interviewer has their pet peeves and some you just can't do anything about. But there are some things you can do (or not do) to make a good impression. Here are my two cents from what I have seen in my short tenure.

Interview Tips:

• Research the company/agency/firm (seems basic, but so many people don't do it).
  
  
• Think before you speak. I had a someone ask me why he should come to the government and not a big firm. He even mentioned a specific firm- one that is not hiring summers.
  
  
• Understand the structure and the responsibilities of the entity, what particular offices do, how they go about doing it, etc.
  
  
• Iron - I can't tell you how many wrinkled shirts I have seen. Appearances aren't everything but showing you care is.
  
  
• Research the people interviewing you, it's very impressive.
  
  
• Have copies of writing samples, resumes, transcripts, etc.
  
  
• Follow up with a thank you and express interest. If its a close call between candidates I will pick the one that sent a thank you note. This has actually happened.
  
  
• Be confident and speak up ( I hate mumbling, whispering, and sluring your words).
  
  
• Bring something to write on.
  
  
• Be early (15 minutes is what I have always been told).
  
  
• Don't tell the interviewer that you don't want to stay in the area. We are making an investment in you and we want it to pay off. Also, don't tell the interviewer this is not the type of work you see yourself doing in the long run.
  
  
• Don't have blue fingernails- maybe I am an old fart but I don't want blue or black nails during an interview. You are not interviewing for a tattoo artist position (no offense to tattoo artists), you are interviewing to be an attorney, dress for the job you want.