10 Tips To Rocking Your Next Interview

Be Early. I know, I know this is a no brainer, but as our culture has become more casual and relaxed, so has this motto. Give yourself ample time to get to the interview, account for traffic or anything else that could come up and whatever you do, don't text and drive (ok, the mom is coming out in me).

Stand out and dress right. No beanies, oversized tee shirts or trendy tennis shoes. Yes, this is what you should be wearing in your next tik tok video, but not for your interview. You want to dress one step above the companies' normal dress code.

You aren't friends, yet. The interview is a professional meeting to talk about your credentials and to learn about the job. This is not the time to make a new buddy. Bring energy and uniqueness to the interview, but do not overstep or overshare.

You're cool, but not that cool. Don't be cocky. Got it? Ok, moving on.

You're not desperate, so don't act it. But seriously, even if you are desperate, don't come off this way. Don't bash your previous or current employers, don't beg, and whatever you do, don't break out in a song or dance (but call me if you do, I'm easily entertained).

Ask unique questions. In order to do this, you need to do your homework first. Look up details of the company, research their website, connect with the hiring manager on Linked In. Then, after all that, write down some questions you want to ask when you are there. Don't ask fluffy questions, ain't nobody got time for that.

Listen Up, Buttercup. This is not a time for day dreaming or thinking about what you should look up on Pinterest for dinner. Listen to what the interviewer has to say. Engage. Break any awkward silence with prompting questions (and you can't prompt unless you were listening in the first place dude).

Show Interest in the Job (even if it ends up being terrible). The worst thing you could do is come off uninterested. Don't answer the question "Why are you looking?" with "I am not, you contacted me". Instead, you can say "I am very happy in my current role, however I am always open to listen to opportunities that might bring new challenge". I am patenting that statement, so don't steal it. Or do, but you owe me.

Understand the job. Don't walk away from the interview unclear of the role. Read the job description beforehand so you can ask for clarification on any of the duties. Isn't it better to know beforehand what you are getting into rather than be surprised later? I am asking for a friend.

Get old school. That's right, I am about to age myself. But always, always, ALWAYS send a follow up email thanking the interviewee for their time. Bonus points for addressing something interesting you discussed during the interview. If you felt like you need to reiterate your skills or a question that you walked away wishing you said more (or even less), then fall on your sword and mention it.