In an Interview

Impressions matter! Most interviewers decide within the first minute of meeting someone whether they may want to hire them, so be ready to impress.

Don’t arrive too early

If you prepared for Murphy’s Law, you should arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your interview. Any more than 15 minutes, wait in your car or a local coffee shop. You want to seem organized, not desperate.

Throw out your Red Bull, take off your headphones

Having a water bottle or cup of coffee/tea is fine, but chuck the soda, energy drink, or gatorade (or put it in an opaque water bottle). Take your headphones off before you enter the building, and tuck your phone away so your attention is clearly 100% focused on the company.

Smile, make eye contact,  and give a firm handshake‍

This is key when meeting people for the first time, and will help you project confidence, even if you’re filled with butterflies.

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Treat the front desk staff well


Many interviewers ask staff  whether the interviewee treated them with respect; being nervous isn’t an excuse for blowing off the receptionist!

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Mirror the interviewer‍

Want to  comfortable, like you already fit in at the company? Look at your interviewer’s posture and body language and mirror it.

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Don’t get too comfortable

It’s ok to loosen up a bit, but keep your professionalism on point! You’re still being evaluated in relaxed interviews, casual lunches, or happy hours.

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Take notes 

Jot down anything relevant or interesting your interviewer says so you can incorporate it into a future answer. Are they struggling with something you know how to automate? Slip that in later on in another answer!