From the moment you walk into the main office or business environment until after you leave, everything you say and do can make the difference.

Stats tell us that within the first 1-1-½ minutes, they know if you will be one of the finals. First impressions really do last. In this short time, you will not get a chance to say much so it is your appearance and style that must be what they are looking for. Your appearance is not only what you look like, but also your attitude, level of confidence, eagerness, composure and posture.

Quick Tips

• Arrive approximately 10 minutes early; no more. Never be late.
• Always introduce yourself, shake hands, smile and tell them why you are there. It is for the interview not the job.
• Be honest about your abilities - Never, never lie.
• Never use NEVER, NOT, CAN'T, WON'T.
• Keep good eye contact.
• Control your nervous actions.
• Maintain good posture.
• Be pleasant to everyone you meet, but do not engage in idle conversation with the receptionist.
• Do not smoke or chew gum. If they offer coffee etc., politely refuse. Better to say no than to spill something in your lap or worse - the interviewer's desk.
• Do not place personal objects (purse, pen or hands) on the interviewer's desk.
• Thank the interviewer for his/her/their time.
• Arrange for a callback time.
• Have 2-3 short questions ready.
• Load up on confidence, lots and lots! You are a graduate and have a lot to offer!

The Details

Always introduce yourself and give a firm handshake. More than likely there are others being interviewed for this same position and you all possess the required qualifications, therefore the choice will be made on what they see and hear at the interview. Be sure to take every opportunity to sell yourself. No one else will speak for you. Without being boastful, you can be very assertive and informative. Don't be shy.

Think about what questions may be asked and have answers ready (not memorized!). If the question is one not too familiar, take a few moments to think about your answer. It's fine to think first, if not, you may blurt out anything and be sorry for it after. If you don't understand the question, ask if they would explain it. Much better than trying to answer when you really don't know what was asked.

Towards the end of the interview you will probably be asked if there is anything that wasn't discussed or if you want to tell them anything. Make sure you use this time wisely. Sum up your great qualities, what you can offer the company and that you do want this job.

If you are asked if you have any questions, you should have one or two ready. This shows interest. Your questions should not require detailed answers.

All questions should be answered in a positive, informative manner. Review list of power words so that you will be able to use them fluently. An answer sounds much better and you can make a great impression if your answer is powerful.

Some questions have an answer that is definitely negative. Rather than just say "No" try to turn around to be positive and relate it to something else.

Always be positive about anyone you worked for or with. There's always good in everyone and if you were unfortunate enough to work with or for someone not so great, think about them before hand and dig up some good positives about them.

Never lie or withhold any pertinent information. If, by doing this you get the job, you will be found out and probably dismissed and not trusted. Your reputation will follow throughout the field and it may be much harder to re-gain your trust.

In the case that you really mess up on one question, don't panic just gracefully get back in control.

If there is something in your past that may be considered a black mark or an embarrassment to you, it may be better to bring this up and explain, especially if it is something, which will not have a re-occurrence.

Commonly-Asked Interview Questions

These are questions that often come up in the normal interview process. You should prepare for these questions in a general way - remember, don't memorize! If necessary, write a few notes on a card or a notebook to go over before the interview.

Tell me about yourself

Make sure you use power words that best describe yourself and relate to this position as much as possible.

What salary would you expect?

Never state a dollar figure. You take the chance of over/under selling yourself. More appropriate answers are that it is negotiable; something you would like to discuss later; entry level for this position; something competitive with similar positions (within company, city); Negotiate based on education and experience.

Opinion Questions - What would you do if...?

Be careful you don't overstep your authority. Be sure to indicate that you would follow company policy but expect that you would do whatever.

Is there anything we haven't discussed or anything I should know about you that I don't already?

Never say "No" or "I think we discussed everything." Take this opportunity to sum up all your positive qualities and re-affirm that you want to work for this company and have a lot to offer.

Why do you want this job?

Be sure to let them know you do want this job. It offers just want you are looking for. Has a challenge. Bring your computer skills and past work experience in. Even if your past work experience has been in a field completely not related, your personal skills would still be very important (dependable, honest, hard working, eager to learn, etc.)

Are you actively looking elsewhere for a job?

You don't want to come across that you have lots of other options. If this is the case, than this job doesn't really matter to you and they may choose to offer it to someone else. However, you also don't want to seem lazy, lacking ambition, or desperate!

A good suggestion is to say that as a recent graduate, you are now very anxious to return (or enter) the workforce and are looking at any or all options available. Never say if you have other offers or interviews set up and never mention the names of any companies/businesses you have applied to. Generalize your answer to the field of work.

Illegal Questions

Illegal questions are sometimes asked. These deal with age, sex, religion, race, family matters, relationships, etc. Although they are illegal to ask, you may want to answer. If you choose not to answer do so tactfully (I believe that to be a personal choice I'll make at a later time; I realize that is personal information - Could you explain to me why this would be asked?; I'd rather not answer at this time, but would be happy to provide you with this information (or all required information) should I be hired. Don't answer any question you don't want to or feel uncomfortable about. Make sure you use a proper tone and not be defensive.

If you choose to answer make sure you provide enough information. i.e. If you choose to tell them you have children, be sure to let them know you have reliable sitters (or don't need them). You should also have a backup sitter and give reference to past work and/or year at CBBC.

Many questions/topics are illegal during the interview but this information is required if you are hired. Be careful, if you ever feel you are in a potentially dangerous situation get out! Make an excuse "about to be physically ill" etc. Your personal safety is more important than any job!

End/Exit

When interview is over, leave. Don't linger around. Leave with a good level of confidence. Thank the person/persons for giving you this opportunity and let them know you would be a great asset to their business/company. Know that you presented yourself as best you could.