The most common type of interview is the one-to-one interview. The one-to-one interview is where you are interviewed by one other person, usually the hiring manager or recruiter. The one-to-one interview is an opportunity for the interviewer to learn more about you, assess your skill level for the position, and determine if you will fit with the culture of the organization. Thus, in preparation for your one-to-one interview you will want to research the company, practice answering typical interview questions, learn something interesting about the individual interviewing you for potential discussion, and put together a list of questions you wish to ask the interviewer in order to learn more about the position and company. Ensure you also know what the attire of the company looks like so that you can dress in a similar fashion at the interview. At this time, you ought to be fairly equipped with how to perform fairly well as an interviewee.

If you have ever been provided constructive feedback regarding your poor attitude, nerves, tardiness, attire, or presentation you may want to work on these aspects prior to the interview to ensure you minimize any strikes against you. Allowing your nerves to get in the way could be perceived by the employer as erraticism. Tardiness could be interpreted as lack of consciousness or respect. Poor or inappropriate attire and presentation may make you appear ignorant. And a bad attitude will likely never get you past the first interview. Thus, ensure you engage in calming exercises prior to your interview, dress appropriately, and keep your attitude in check. You’ll be fine!

Finally, it is important that you have questions for the interviewer. Remember that the interview is a two-way street: Not only is the interviewer interviewing you to assess fit for the job, you are also interviewing the interviewer to ensure the company is a fit for you. The last thing you want to have happen is accept a job for a company whose values do not align with your own; you will both end up unhappy with the other, and either resignation or termination is a likely result. So, go back and reread this post from start to finish employing all of the tactics we have provided. And please do let us know when you get that next great job!