<p>I have an interview next week for a lab assistant position at UCD. It will be my first job interview ever. Will I need to dress formally? Any tips or suggestions? Thanks.</p>
<p>I would say dress formally. I dressed formally for a Starbucks interview, so I’d imagine you should too.</p>
<p>Also, I read somewhere that no matter what: maintain eye contact. Even if they look away, just keep staring. I don’t really know why though…I guess to show you’re confident or something.</p>
<p>Body language is pretty important in an interview. In addition to dressing formally, keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Like rclittle mentioned, maintain eye contact, but don’t “stare.” Keep it relaxed, but kind show that you’re attentive and serious. If it’s a panel, divide your attention equally with emphasis on who’s asking the question while still looking the others to give them respect. </p>
<p>Also, don’t seem too relaxed. Don’t sit all the way back in your chair, but don’t sit on the edge, sit comfortably while leaning forward a bit to show your constant attention. </p>
<p>Don’t make a “wall” with your hands, don’t fold your arms. I’d suggest hands in lap unless you like to use your hands to talk, but don’t get carried away with it. Let your words speak for themselves.</p>
<p>Don’t say something before thinking it through. It’s better to be silent for a few seconds than sound like a moron. Consider what they might ask based on the position and come up with a general “game plan” of a few points you want to hammer down that are supported by your resume.</p>
<p>Smile when appropriate. In any situation, you’re going to have to work with people so show you can be personal and friendly, while being serious when it matters, so don’t smile randomly while talking about something sternly.</p>
<p>Be courteous, with words and actions. Hold the door for someone when you walk in. You might find out its your interviewer! Or even the interviewer might see. Plus its just good to be nice to others. Don’t saturate the person with praise/thanks, you’re there because you are qualified, you’re only thanking them for their time to show who you are. Close the door when you leave, if applicable.</p>
<p>I can’t say exactly why these are important, but I can tell you from personal experience they help at the very least. I sat through an interview leaning back in my seat, laughing the whole time out of nervousness, and completely unfocused in my responses saying random *<strong><em>. I’ve haven’t done any of those things since not getting that scholarship. I was *</em></strong>ed, but I made it into something productive.</p>