Bob Wellington's Interview Tips

Bob Wellington knows what an interviewer wants to hear, see, and smell. Formerly the Director of Operations for a software company where he regularly conducted interviews, Bob is now retired and dedicates his time to WWEE to help students feel comfortable and confident about interviewing.

Here are some of his words of wisdom you can use to help you prepare for your next interview:

The Top Five Things An Interviewer Looks For:

1. Initial Impression
   
   
   • Did you know it takes on average 30 seconds for an interviewer to decide if they are interested in you as an employee?
   • Start off with an initial impression of confidence
   • Good eye contact: this is the best way to communicate your focus
   • Groomed personal appearance
   • Use professional language - no slang!
   
   
   
2. Personal Appearance
   
   
   • Does it match the position you are applying for?
   • Bob always suggests dressing one step up from the position you are interviewing for
   • For example: if you are interviewing for a receptionist position where you might typically wear a blouse and nice pants or a skirt, try adding a blazer for an interview
   • Bob's list of what not to wear: piercings anywhere other that your ears (if you have the holes, don't use them), big loopy earrings, crazy hair-dos, perfume or scented lotion
   • Bob's Big Tip: Dress conservatively
   
   
   
3. Positive Attitude
   
   
   • Smile!
   • Be respectful of your interviewer - do not interrupt them
   • Do not focus on the negatives of your last job
   
   
   
4. Qualifications
   
   
   • It boils down to this: do your qualifications match the requirements for the position?
   
   
   
5. Experience & Education
   
   
   • How has your experience in the workforce and in your life prepared you for this position?
   • What skills do you have that make you uniquely qualified for this position?
   • Remember: Don't repeat your resume!
   
   
   

Preparing for an Interview

More likely than not, if you are nervous for an interview it will show. Nerves get the best of us sometimes, but there are concrete things you can do to tame them down and walk into an interview with as little stress as possible:

• Practice, practice, practice! Bob says "there's nothing better" for reducing stress
• Write down dome key points you know you want to address beforehand, so that you have a clear idea of what you know you want to say
• Practice saying those key points to a spouse, significant other, or friend
• Practice in front of a mirror - it is always good to be aware of how you look, so that you can decide what you need to work on
• Remember to practice making eye contact