Interview Tips for Women

The big day has arrived – you’re about to interview for what you hope could be your dream job. Before you head out to that big interview, here are a few tips.

First: prepare. Know everything you can about the company before you arrive at the interview – the company’s products, its practices, their goals and even who works there. You might even consider scheduling an informational interview with an acquaintance who works there to get a feel for the company and its atmosphere.

Second: look the part. Experts say that you should dress for the job you eventually want, not necessarily the job for which you are interviewing. When in doubt, dress it up rather than down and err on the conservative side. Stick to simple, classic basics in dark or neutral colors. Well-groomed hair, simple manicure (think natural), basic, classic jewelry, and minimalist makeup – you don’t want to distract the interviewer from what you have to say by what you’re wearing.

Get up early the day of the interview so you have plenty of time to get ready. If you think you’ll be nervous, give yourself time for exercise or meditation beforehand. Map out the trip and be sure you allow yourself extra time, although experts recommend arriving at the actual interview site no earlier than five minutes before the interview is set to begin. Silence your phone, tuck it away and wait quietly until they call your name.

Once you’re in the interview, remember that you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. Prepare some good questions in advance that show you have an interest in the company and a solid background in who they are and what they’re about.

Remember that it’s illegal to ask interviewees about pregnancies and children, marital status, age, and other personal matters such as medical history. Knowing your rights is important for both you and your interviewer. Although the interviewer is highly unlikely to ask those questions, be on your toes if you find yourself chatting informally with potential co-workers while on a tour of the office.

For example, someone in the lunch room could casually mention, “I always try to leave work by 5 because I have kids… you know how that is.” This could be an off-hand remark, but it could also be a tactic to learn if you have kids and how you feel about the your work schedule.

If you don’t want to discuss marital status, kids or other illegal interview topics, find a simple and relaxed answer that skirts the issue and redirects back toward how your skills are a great fit for the company’s needs. Always keep in mind that like it or not, the interview is happening from the moment you arrive on site until the moment you’re in your car and on the highway home.

Finally, remember that body language says a lot about you. Sheryl Sandberg wrote a whole book on the concept that women should “lean in” at work. That aside, simply leaning in during the interview, keeping eye contact and having open body language can help to make you seem like a direct, honest and hardworking member of their team.

Your interview is the time to put yourself in the spotlight and show everyone you’ve got what it takes to be a successful part of their team. Prepare well, know your rights and be sure to look the part and this interview could lead to your dream job. Good luck!