1)  Prepare.  Take the interview seriously, even if it’s not your dream job.  (It might lead to greater opportunities).  Research the company.  Talk with others who have worked there, if appropriate.  Learn about the corporate history, work culture and plans.  Envision yourself within that picture.

2)  What you have learned in graduate school is a good foundation.  Your new challenge is to apply what you’ve learned in school to solving problems in the workplace.  If you are seeking an academic job, you know the rules, rituals and routines. In non-academic settings, though, the focus may be different. Listen carefully to the interviewer to learn what they need and value.

3)  People have opinions about personal rights and preferences, but when you are interviewing for a job with unknown people, it is wise to present yourself conservatively.  Cover tattoos, remove jewelry from facial piercings and avoid t-shirts or extreme styles.  If possible, go to the location of the interview in advance to assure you know where it is.  (GPS directions may be wrong, so don’t take the chance that you may get lost on the way to the interview).

4)  Don’t take anything they ask or say to you personally.   It is likely they don’t know you well, and this is their chance to learn more about you. It is also your chance to also get to know them and get a feel for where you might be working.

5)  Anticipate their questions.  Be ready to tell people about yourself (spare personal details), where you see yourself in five years, how you cope with pressure, how you get along with coworkers (including supervisors), your strengths and weaknesses, and examples of problems you have handled well (or not) in the past.

6)  Keep your opinions about controversial topics to yourself.  Immigration (unless you are working in an immigration-related field), politics, religion, cohabitation, gay marriage, #MeToo, global warming, fracking and any other number of issues can derail an interview. An employer may be testing to see where you stand on these issues—concerns that should probably not be part of the job.  They may be trying to profile or peg you.  Let them know that, while these issues are important, you are careful to keep them out of the job.  (And if you get the job, make sure you keep them out of the workplace).

7)  Ask about workplace culture, job structure, the scope of work and future workplace plans.  Hold off asking about money, vacation or other time off to avoid having the employer perceive that you want the paycheck but don’t want to work.

8)  Ask the interviewer what they need you to do on the job.  Employers are often looking to grow the business or solve problems, and you might be able to help them find solutions and reach their goals. Avoid telling them what to do but reflect that you can work on solutions and you enjoy new ventures.

9)  Flexibility is a plus.  Employers need to know if you are willing to take certain assignments, work different hours or vary your duties. If you are able to be flexible, you will show your desire to be part of the team.   Flexibility can be a bridge to other opportunities.

10)  Avoid talking negatively about others, including your last boss or former instructors, your family, other people or yourself.  Recognize your own weaknesses and be ready to share your plan to improve.

11)  Speaking Spanish is a plus, but don’t claim you speak Spanish if you are not fluent.  If you are working with a Spanish-speaking population and you don’t speak Spanish, talk about your cultural sensitivity, and if you are motivated to learn Spanish, commit to that.  If you need to master technical language in Spanish, include that as a goal.

12)  Always say thank you in writing within a day after the interview.  Texts are quick, convenient and common, but if the boss is older, a handwritten note is best.  Remind the employer who you are and what you liked about the job/workplace. Sound genuine and enthusiastic, but not desperate.  Interviewees often fail to follow-up with a thank you, so set yourself apart and remain hopeful by expressing your gratitude. •