A job interview is a meeting between you and the employer 
(such as supervisor, manager, or human resources manager).  
The interview has two goals.  First, the interview allows the 
employer to see you and talk to you in person to help decide 
if you are the person to hire for the job.  Second, the interview 
gives you the chance to find out about the job and company.
Do the following to prepare for a successful interview:  
1) Dress similar to workers at the company who work in the job 
you want.  If you do not know how workers dress for the job, 
wear casual dress clothing that is neat and clean.  2) Bring a 
copy of your resume, copy of personal reference page, copy of documents 
(such as job training 
certificates), small note pad and pen in case you need to write down information.  3) Arrive 15 minutes 
early.  4) Stop at a restroom to check your appearance.  5) When you walk in and see receptionist, greet the 
receptionist with a smile and say: "Hello, My name is Jim Johnson, and I
 am here to interview for the job 
opening."  Remember that the employer may ask his employees about your c
onduct while waiting for the 
interview.  You are "on stage" from the moment you enter the door of the company.  6) Sit where you are 
directed to sit and relax.  You are ready for the interview.  You will impress the interviewer because you 
spent the time to prepare.  This proves that you want the job and are willing to work to get it.  
INTRODUCTIONS
After the interviewer introduces him or herself, look into the interview
er's eyes, smile, and say, "Pleased 
to meet you, Mr. Smith.  I am Jim Johnson."  During the Covid pandemic, the interviewer
 will most likely 
not introduce him or herself by a handshake (as was done in past years)
.  Then, give the interviewer a copy 
of your resume and documents.  Remain standing until you are told to tak
e a seat, and shown where to sit 
down.  Place your purse or briefcase on the floor next to your chair, not on the interviewer's desk.  
BODY LANGUAGE
Watch your classmates as they sit or stand in the classroom.  You can tell many things by body language.   
For example, are students interested in what the teacher is saying or are they bored?   Which classmates 
look like good workers?  Just as you can learn a lot about your classmat
es by reading their body language, 
so can an interviewer learn a lot about you by reading your body languag
e.  If you sit straight in the chair, 
look alert, and answer the questions with energy, your body language will tell the interviewer that you want 
the job and will be a good worker.  If you slouch, mumble words, or ask interviewer to repeat a question 
because you were not paying attention, the interviewer will wonder why y
ou applied for and want the job.  
It is important that you do not smoke during an interview — or have t
he smell of smoke on your clothes or 
breath.  Also, do not chew gum, eat candy, or chew your nails.  Do not text during a job interview — turn 
your cell phone off  — no pings.  (Also, hopefully you cleaned up your social media accou
nts so that you 
will not be embarrassed if the interviewer looks at your social media pa
ges after the interview.  Most 
employers do check you out on social media.	
Job Interview: In Person	
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Permission to use allowed with usworkworld.com subscription.	Job Interview: In Person (Page 2 of 2)	
 interviewer that you:  a) Want the job.  
 b) Do not want the job.
12. List 3 "do nots" during an interview.  
13. Why do you think you should not text and turn 	
your cell phone off during an interview?	
14. What you can say to let interviewer know that 	
you want the job for other reasons than money?	
15. How can you tell that the interview is ending?
16. List 2 questions you may ask.
17. a) Which 3 things may you not ask?  b) When 	
may you ask these questions?	
18. a) What question may you ask if not told?  
 b) How should you act when you hear answer?
19. a) What do you do and say to end interview? 
 b) List 2 questions you may ask. 
20. What do you say to receptionist when leaving?
21. You are the employer.  In 50-words or more, 	
describe things you want to see and hear as job 
seekers enter, interview, and exit the room.	
QUICK CHECK:
1. What are the 2 purposes of an interview?
2. How should you dress for an interview?
3. List 3 thing to bring to an interview.
4. a) When do you arrive?  b) Where do you stop 	
and why?  	
5. How do you greet the receptionist and why?
6. From what point are you on stage?
7. What 3 things do you do when the interviewer 	
introduces him or herself?	
8. When and where do you sit down?
9. Where should you place your briefcase?
10. Look at your classmates when the teacher is 	
talking.  a) Describe the body language of a 
student who is interested in the lesson.  	
 b) Describe the body language of a student who 	
is not interested in the lesson.	
11. Describe 3 ways body language show the
ANSWER QUESTIONS
Use correct English words to answer interview questions.  Do not use wor
ds that your friends understand, 
but older people do not.  Do not use slang such as "yeah," "ya 
know," "nah," "ain’t," or "cool."  Let your 
words be positive.  Let the interviewer know that you want the job for o
ther reasons than money.  For 
example, you may say, "I enjoy shopping at this store, and see a teamwork spirit among the e
mployees, so I 
think this store is a great place to work".  Or, "I took classes in industrial technology, and would value the 
opportunity to work in a hardware store."  Or, "I want to apply for a job at this store because I enjoy sales 
and like the products this store sells to customers."
ASK QUESTIONS
When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, it is a sign that the interview is ending.   You can 
show interest in the company by asking one or two questions such as "When would this job begin?" or "Is 
this a permanent or seasonal job?" or "What are the opportunities to learn new skills?"  Do not ask 
questions about raises, sick leave, vacations, or other benefits during the interview.  You may ask questions 
about these benefits when you are offered the job.  	If you are not told 	how much the job pays during the 	
interview, you may ask at the end of interview, "What is the pay for this 
job?"  Act as if you are pleased with the pay offered.  If pay is lower than 
you want, you may turn the job offer down later after you think about it.
END THE INTERVIEW
Stand up, look into the interviewer’s eyes, and say, "Thank you for the 
interview.  I am interested in the job."  If it has not been mentioned, you 
may ask questions:  1) "When will you make a decision?"  
2) "May I call back at that time to find out your decision?"  Then, professionally leave the room.  If you 
pass a receptionist on the way out, make sure that you say "thank you
" to him or her.