Preparation

1. Contrary to popular belief, job interviews are very predictable. The interviewer simply wants to learn more about you; and who knows more about you, than you?

2. By preparing and practicing in advance (for difficult questions), you can deliver polished answers to difficult questions. In doing so, you will impress the interviewer(s) with your confidence and professionalism.

3. Obtain company information by visiting web sites and reviewing annual reports and product literature. By referring to these during the interview, you let the company know that you have done your homework. This demonstrates preparation and initiative. Try to match your experiences with the job opportunity.

4. Check to see if the company has been the subject of recent news. (You can utilize web sites and/or the reference desk of your local library.) Asking questions about recent corporate news will show your interest and thoroughness.

5. What can you find out about the managers you will interview with? Your recruiter should be a good source of information regarding the people you will meet. Where did they work before? How long have they been on board? What has their career growth been? If possible, ask acquaintances and colleagues who may know.

6. Understand the company’s missions and/or strategies so you can address how you can help achieve them.

7. Prepare a list of good questions (some related to the job; others centering on more global corporate or business matters) based on all of the above and on your needs and interests. In order to be effective in the process, you must ask questions to be sure you fully understand the duties of the job and the short- and long-term expectations. Then relate relevant accomplishments.

8. Rehearse the script to get the job -> you can think of the job interview as an acting performance. If you know your lines, perfect your delivery, and dress the part, you'll get the job.

9. Practice Makes Perfect -> While reading books/material on interviewing provides knowledge, it is NOT a substitute for real-life interview experience. After all, you cannot learn to drive a car by reading a book? Successful interviewing, like driving, requires practice--the more you practice, the better you get.

10. Beyond preparation, there are a few basic pointers to keep in mind in any interview situation, including telephone interviews. (Given the costs of flying candidates on-site, more and more companies use telephone interviews as a first step in the hiring process. Don’t be put off by such an arrangement, but don’t take it lightly. This is the first step toward a visit to the office.)

11. Give careful thought to your appearance: Did you ever hear the phrase, first impressions last the longest. This is true! Your first impression can portray confidence and professionalism, but at the same time work against you if you are sloppy, ill mannered and ill-prepared.

12. Know the location of the interview: Try to plan the directions to the facility the night before. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Rushing will only make you more nervous

13. Know your resume: Be assertive with every aspect of your resume. Be prepared to defend your educational and your professional experience.

14. For technical interviews, always assume there are going to be syntax-related questions and revise the subject matter as part of your preparation

Reducing Interview Stress

1. Be relaxed. The key to effective interviews is to stay “calm, cool, composed and confident” during the interview. To calm your nerves, take a few deep breaths before you walk in for your interview. This will help relax you, too.

2. To combat interview stress, you must prepare in advance. If you anticipate the difficult questions, there will be no surprises. If you prepare solid answers to these questions, you will always respond appropriately. And finally, if you practice your answers in a realistic simulated interview, you will project a confident and professional image.

3. Whether you know it or not, when you mailed your resume to a prospective employer you actually mailed pre-sales literature to that company. Literature that previewed and highlighted who you are and what you can or cannot do.

4. If, after sending your resume, you were invited to participate in a premise interview, it would be safe to assume the hiring authority viewed your features as potential benefits to the company, thus prompting your premise interview.

5. Some will tell you that you should be yourself during an interview. We feel that may not be good enough! We advise our candidates to be the best that they can be. And, the key to being best is being prepared. It is imperative that you are cognizant of your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Before the interview, evaluate your assets and or features that would benefit the potential employer. However, don't stretch the truth or say anything you can't substantiate.

6. Anticipate questions, particularly tough ones. Write down key "questions and answers" and then rehearse them. Practice talking about yourself. In fact, do it in front of mirror so that you can see what impression you are creating. Make sure the questions you ask are well thought out. It is important to recognize "buying" signals. "Do you have any more questions?" is a buying signal/question. If this is the first interview your response should be, "Yes, what is the next step?" or if it is the final interview, respond "Yes, when do you like me to start?"

7. Show and voice your enthusiasm early in the interviewing process.

Declare your interest

1. Follow up: Make sure to write a letter or note thanking the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications. Include any examples of how you could solve any problems that were discussed in the interview.

2. Remember, your goal is to showcase not only your strengths and why you'll benefit the hiring company, but also to show your thoroughness in the way you conduct business. Quality follow-ups will help you be noticeable and remembered!!!

3. Unless you are certain you do not want to work with the company you should, at each interview, at each stage, as the discussions reach their natural conclusion, tell the interviewer that you are interested & why.

4. Based on your understanding of the position and its duties, tell the interviewer what you feel you can contribute. Then ask to go on to the next step.

5. An interview is not the time to be shy. When speaking of your experience, talk in terms of personal accomplishments and characteristic strengths. Be specific and mention achievements that relate to the new position. You have to build your case. Make it a compelling one.