A job interview puts many skills from this course to work at once: small talk, greetings, listening and a thank-you note. For the practical side of finding and applying for a job, see Apply for a Job in Being an Adult.
Key idea
Arrive a few minutes early, dress a step above the job's usual dress, greet everyone kindly, listen, ask good questions, and send a thank-you within a day.
Why it works
An interview is a short glimpse of what working with you would be like. Being early shows that you respect the interviewer's schedule. Dressing a step up shows you took the meeting seriously. Kindness to everyone, from the front desk to the interviewer, shows how you treat people when you are not trying to impress them, and a prompt thank-you shows follow-through.
Worked example: The waiting room
Sam arrives for an interview and the receptionist is on the phone. What should he do?
- He waits quietly until she is free, without leaning over the desk.
- Then he says, "Good morning, I'm Sam Rivera. I have a ten o'clock interview with Ms. Shah."
- He thanks her, sits, and keeps his phone silenced.
Answer: Wait, greet her kindly, and give his name.
Worked example: A good question
At the end of her interview, Hana is asked, "Do you have any questions for us?" Which is better: "How much vacation do I get?" or "What does a typical week look like on this team?"
- Pay and vacation are fair topics, but they usually come after an offer.
- A question about the work shows interest in the job itself.
Answer: "What does a typical week look like on this team?"
Common mistake
Being polite to the interviewer but curt with the receptionist. Everyone you meet may be asked what they thought of you. Quick check: would you be glad if the front desk described how you acted in the waiting room?