We’ve all been interviewed for jobs. And we’ve all spend most of those interviews thinking about what NOT to do. Don’t bite your nails. Don’t fidget. Don’t chew gum. If we did any of the "don’ts," we knew we’d disqualify ourselves instantly. But some job applicants go light years beyond this. In a recent survey, personnel executives of 100 companies nationwide were asked to tell stories of unusual behavior by applicants. Here are some of the lowlights:

1. One candidate wore a Walkman and said she could listen to the interviewer and the music at the same time.
   
2. One interviewee stopped the interview to answer his cell phone and conduct a personal conversation.
   
3. When asked about hobbies, one candidate got up and started tap dancing around the interviewer’s desk.
   
4. Another candidate wore a jogging suit to an interview for a position as Financial Vice President.
   

While you may never do any of these things, here are some pointers to avoid interview pitfalls.

Research the Company

1. You can research the company via the Internet (many companies have websites), Standard & Poor’s, Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. Magazine and others.
   
2. What to look for in your research:
   
   • Growth – What direction is the company headed? This information can include number of employees, locations, revenue and technology. (Annual reports are a great source for this information.)
     
   • Product Lines – Are they outdated or progressive? Are they meeting/preparing for new industry trends?
     
   • Leadership – What’s the philosophy of the company’s management team or CEO? Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, The Business Journal, and Milwaukee Magazine are great resources for this information as they profile business leaders. Remember, the fish stinks at the head. Do their philosophies, styles, ideas mesh with your beliefs?
     
   • Problems – What problems, based on recent articles, has the company had to overcome? What may occur in the future? You need to know, so you can become the company’s problem solver.
     

What to Wear

Remember our man in the jogging suit... The position you apply for will determine the clothes you wear. Some basics include:

1. Wash and comb your hair.
   
2. Make sure your clothes are cleaned and pressed – no t-shirts with sayings on them, no ripped jeans, no leggings, etc.
   
3. Think one notch above – visit the company prior to your interview. If you can’t walk into the lobby, check out the employee parking lot. Go in the morning or during a lunch hour, so you can see what people going into or coming out of the building are wearing and their demeanor.
   
   Wear something one notch above what you’ve observed. If you’re a welder and everyone has jeans on, wear khakis and a clean white shirt. A tie won’t be needed.
   
   If you’re an accountant, wear a navy, black or charcoal suit, white shirt and a tie (if you’re a man). Women, wear the suit, minus the tie. Wear dark hose as well. (Sheer is OK for summer.)
   
   If you’re applying for a more creative position, you can be creative in your appearance, just not too creative. Pantsuits are OK for women to wear in this case.
   
   
4. Wondering what to wear in the summer? Wear lighter version of the above. No shear blouses. No tube tops. No shorts. Wear socks. Don’t wear sandals.
   
5. SHINE YOUR SHOES. If you’re wearing black or grey suits, wear black shoes. If you have a navy suit, wear burgundy shoes, if you’re a man, navy shoes if you’re a woman.
   

Questions. How to combat the grilling session:

Below are a few of the most often asked interview questions and ways to respond. Write down and rehearse your own answers before your interview. You want to communicate your answers positively, powerfully, competently and confidently (PPCC). Rehearsing will help you do this.

1. Tell me about yourself:
   Interviewers ask this question for lots of reasons including: determining how you think on your feet and how well/quickly you can organize your thoughts.
   
   Your Response:
   "I’d be happy to." Next, give your soundbite – this is a statement that takes about 30 seconds, which outlines your education, experience (briefly), and perhaps one achievement.
   
   What you’ve achieved with a soundbite is an encapsulation of your strong points in a succinct manner. No rambling. Keep to the point. Write and rehearse your soundbite – it’s your 30-second commercial.
   
   
2. Describe a weakness for me:
   Here’s where you need to be careful. What the employer is really asking is, "Should I worry?" Do not use the word "weakness" again in your response. Use a "non-loaded" word like "concern" or "issue." Make sure the weakness you mention is really a "developmental need" – that means you can easily overcome it or are in the process of doing so.
   
   Your Response:
   "I’m a bit behind the times with my computer skills, however, I am currently enrolled in Word and Excel classes."
   
   
3. Why do you think you can handle this job when you have no professional experience?
   
   Your Response:
   "Actually, I have experience building, configuring and maintaining a network system." Or: "Actually, I have built several computers for my friends and family. Here’s what was involved in the process." Or: "While earning my degree, I participated on ___________ project, which is very similar to what your organization is currently involved with."
   
   What your goal is here is to give concrete examples of your experience, even if it is class related. Be specific, tell the interviewer how you were able to solve a certain problem or achieve a certain objective.
   
   You will also want to elaborate on transferable skills.
   
   Also, tell the interviewer that you would be happy to take any skill assessment they wish to give you. Tell them you are very enthusiastic and excited about this new field.
   
   You want to break in and would be willing to pursue additional training or take on additional projects to increase your skills and benefit the company. Ask for the job. Some candidates don’t receive offers because they didn’t ask for the job and didn’t appear excited about the opportunity.
   
   
4. You seem to be overqualified for this position. Why do you want to work here?
   
   Your Response:
   A strong company needs strong people who can bring more than minimal skills to the position. (Remember to ask for the job.)
   
   
5. Why do you want to leave your current job?
   
   Your Response:
   Refer to a difference in style. Never personalize. Never be negative. Keep it short. Stick to one response. Don’t change answers during the interview.
   

Take control during the interview. Yes, you CAN ask questions.

Many candidates don’t realize they can ask questions during the interview process. You’ll want to write down at least three questions to ask the interviewer prior to your meeting. Bring a notepad and working pen with you to write down the interviewer’s response. It shows you are interested in their company when you take notes during the interview.

Here’s how to respond to the interviewers question: "So, do you have any questions for us?"

In at least two of your questions, mention something you learned during your research.

Example: "I read in the Wall Street Journal that your company recently acquired XYZ. How is the transition coming along? In my previous role, I helped coordinate a departmental transition that was very successful. This may help your situation."

Or: "I learned you developed a new technology. I’m eager to learn more, as I have experience with similar technology at ABC Company."

Here are a few questions whose responses will help you decide if this company is right for you.

1. What traits do you look for in key employees?
   
2. What is the top priority/main function of this position?
   
3. What is the typical career path/growth for this position?
   
4. What type of technology is your company using?
   
5. How would you describe your company’s management style?
   

Be sure to take notes. The responses the interviewer gives you will help you decide if this position and company are right for you.

Get the interviewer’s business card. Be sure it has his/her name and job title.

Write a thank you note!

Write and mail a thank you note the same day you had your interview. Send a note to everyone you interviewed with and/or met, including the secretary. Sometimes a secretary has very strong input when it comes to a candidate. They know the personality of the company.

Ask for the job if you want it. Be sure to get a time line for a potential second interview.

The first interview is competency, the second is chemistry. GOOD LUCK!

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