Job Interview Advice Everyone Can Use

Interviews are stressful for new job seekers and seasoned veterans alike. Knowing that one meeting can either open or close the door on an opportunity is an anxiety-inducing situation. With planning, preparation and a positive outlook, you can replace nervousness with confidence and make your interview one that opens the door to a bright future.

Preparation
Do your homework. Learn the company's history, reputation, and newsworthy happenings. Talk with others who have either worked for the company or who have been employed in a similar type of position elsewhere.

An interview is a two-way street. Your interviewers will be evaluating your potential in their organization. But this is also your chance to decide whether the job and the work environment are good matches for you. Think of your interview as a "first date" where both parties are putting their best foot forward rather than as a situation where you alone are on the spot.

A potential turnoff to employers is an interviewee who has all the right answers, but no questions. During the interview, you will probably be asked if you have any questions. Be prepared with questions that show your interest in finding rewarding work. A few good examples are "what do you see as the biggest challenges of this position," or "what do employees most like about working here?"

Anticipate some of the standard tough interview questions. Be ready to discuss your biggest professional challenges or weaknesses in ways that show how you've learned from and overcome them. Craft positive explanations for any gaps in your employment history. Think of times that you have shown leadership and dealt with difficult individuals in a professional manner.

Map your route ahead of time so there's no chance of getting lost. Choose clothing that puts your best professional foot forward and boosts your confidence. Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy meal before your interview.

The Interview
Shake hands firmly. Smile and make eye contact with everyone involved. Politely greet everyone you meet, whether or not they are involved in your interview.

If asked a question that momentarily stumps you, don't rush your response. Take a calming breath and collect your thoughts before responding. Support your answers with concrete examples whenever you can. If asked about why you're a good fit for the job, don't just say "because I have great attention to detail." Instead, say, "This job appears to require very detail-oriented work. At my last job, I had the lowest data entry error rate in our department and was always asked to proofread our communications for grammatical errors."

Be professional, but also be genuine. If you land the job, you'll be spending lots of time at the company, so you want to know you can feel comfortable there.

Follow Up
After the interview, send a thank you letter to everyone involved. This shows both your professionalism and your continued interest in the job. Share what you learned during the interview that made you even more excited about working with the company. Include everyone who was part of your day in your thanks.

By making sure you are well-prepared, reminding yourself that an interview is a mutual evaluation, and following up appropriately, you can boost your confidence and open the door to exciting opportunities.

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