Eleven Interviewing Tips That Can Make A Difference

Much like getting married, buying your first home, or moving to a new city, interviewing for a new job can be stressful. In fact, it is ranked among the most stressful of activities! You want to do your best and you're not exactly sure what's going to be asked of you in the interview. The following information is intended to help you enhance your interviewing skills. Please pay careful attention to the material listed; by doing so you will portray yourself in the best possible light when you are interviewing with the hiring authority.

1) PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE INTERVIEW

Anticipate what may be asked of you. For example, what are your greatest strengths as an employee? What are your greatest developmental needs (weaknesses)? Are goals an important part of your life? What accomplishments are you most proud of? What has been the most difficult thing you ever had to tackle on the job? What obstacles have you overcome in your career? Why should I hire you as opposed to another candidate? Some companies use an interviewing technique known as "Behavioral Interviewing" where they will ask you to give specific details about accomplishments shown on your resume. Be prepared to specifically address anything you include on your resume. There also are books available that can help you prepare for a job interview. Depending on your skills in this area, consider buying such a book or using a library copy. If it's been a while between interviews, consider a "practice" interview with a friend. You can prepare the questions and they can give you a critique on your performance.

2) DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THE INTERVIEW

Very simply, look professional! Business suits, white shirts, polished shoes, neatly trimmed hair and a good looking tie are a must for men. Women should consider a business suit or dress that would be typically worn in a business setting. Nice shoes, panty hose and neatly coifed hair are also important. In both instances, avoid too much jewelry or overly flashy jewelry...it's a turnoff.

3) ARRIVE BEFORE THE INTERVIEW, AVOID BEING LATE

This is a must. Make sure you know how to get to the interview site on time and have the phone number of the individual you'll be interviewing with. Sometimes, circumstances will prevent your timely arrival. In these instances, you need to contact me at the number listed above and/or contact the interviewer with a reasonable explanation of your delay and when you expect to arrive.

4) HANDSHAKES, EYE CONTACT AND POSTURE

These are key components of the interview. You are being evaluated on more than your answers to questions. A good handshake is an important start in the interview. Eye contact is critical during the interview....it demonstrates confidence. Likewise, good posture sends a positive message. Avoid fidgeting or to much movement in the chair, doing so sends a negative message.

5) ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE

What type of person do you prefer to spend time with ……someone who is upbeat and enthusiastic or someone with a laid back or low key personality? Confidence and enthusiasm go hand-in-hand in an interview. You can win over an interviewer by displaying these traits. An interviewer will project your personality into a job; what they "see" will be measured against the ideal traits required to be successful in the position. Most importantly, be genuine. Don't overdo the enthusiasm but don't think it's not important.

6) LISTEN CAREFULLY AND GIVE COMPLETE ANSWERS

Poor listening skills can sabotage an interview and many people fall victim to this peril. Let the interviewer ask a question without interrupting them. Make sure you answer their question.... many fail to do so. If you're uncertain about the question, it's okay to ask that it be repeated or rephrased. Don't try to bluff if you don't know how to answer a question.....a good interviewer will see right through any attempt to do so. Just say you don't know the answer but can probably find out. Your answers should be complete but not rambling. Make your point to the best of your ability and move on.

7) AVOID THE NEGATIVITY TRAP

You may be questioned about a job or supervisor that you disliked. This question may arise from the interviewer's review of your employment application and the reasons you gave for leaving a prior job. Be careful how you state your reasons for leaving on the application and be especially careful if asked to answer such a question in an interview. If you speak negatively about a prior boss or company, this will often raise a red flag for the interviewer. A better approach is to mention the problems you may have encountered in a matter-of-fact approach and give an example of how you overcame the obstacle or problem.

8) BRING ALONG ANY MATERIAL THAT WILL SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS

Oftentimes, you may be able to enhance your interview by providing the interviewer with materials that confirm or support your career achievements. Excellent performance reviews, letters of commendation or recognition, ranking among peers (sales), etc., can all be used to your advantage. Have copies available that can be left behind with the interviewer. Look for an appropriate moment in the interview to present such items.

9) DON'T DISCUSS MONEY DURING THE INTERVIEW

In many cases, this won't come up. If asked, tell the interviewer that you'll consider any offer that's fair and reasonable.

10) ASK FOR THE JOB

This is a powerful technique that you can sometimes use to your advantage. If you're convinced you want the job and have done well in the interview, it may be to your advantage to make sure the interviewer knows you're interested. You can do this by saying, "I'm really interested in this job, when do I start?" Or, "I know I can excel in an organization like this, when can I get started?" There are many other ways to accomplish this; be prepared to ask for the job in your own way if your at the final stage of the interview process.

11) FOLLOW UP WITH THANK YOU LETTERS

Every recruiter can tell you stories about candidates that fell by the wayside because they failed to FOLLOW UP on the interview. Sending a professionally done letter of thanks, stating the reasons you're qualified for the position and asking for the job (again), is a great way to demonstrate your professionalism and commitment. This is one of the easiest parts of the interview process and one of the most critical. Ask for the business card of everyone you interview with and make sure they receive a letter that is to-the-point and grammatically correct and free of typos. You should also mail or fax a copy of each letter to me for my records. For some employers, failure to send a thank you / follow-up letter can doom your chances regardless of how the interview went.

A successful interview is no guarantee you'll get the job, but it certainly doesn't hurt your chances. Preparation and adherence to some of these tips will enhance your chances of getting to the next step in the interview process or actually getting the job. You can differentiate yourself from the pack by using these tips to your advantage.