Interviewing 101

For some job seekers, the job interview can be very intimidating.  It doesn't have to be.  The key to a GREAT interview is simply .... prepare, prepare, prepare.  The interview is your chance to show your stuff.

So let's say you’ve just been scheduled for an interview. You’re one step closer to getting the job you want. Now’s the time to put it all together, and make sure you’re ready to impress. Here are some things you’ll need to make sure you do before your big interview.

Research the company.

Few things impress an interviewer more than an interviewee who knows about their company. Not only do you stand out from the job-hunting crowd, but you’re demonstrating you’re a hard worker, motivated, and proactive. So research the company before your interview by visiting their web site, looking through their annual reports, and reading their press releases.

Answer key questions with confidence.

Check out the list of commonly asked interview questions. Practice some well thought-out responses. Write them out if it’ll help you remember the key points you want to get across for each, but don’t memorize them. You want to appear natural and confident at the interview. During the interview, don’t be afraid to share your own relevant ideas or insights. After all, the best interviews are two-way conversations between you and the interviewer.

Ask good questions.

Show off your knowledge of their company by asking two or three strategic questions related to them. Not only will this prove you’ve done your homework, but you’ll demonstrate you’re an intelligent, analytic thinker.

Sell your strengths.

You don’t want to be cocky, but you definitely want to sell your strengths. Make sure to identify your five or six best attributes and skills, and be ready to talk about them with specific examples. Did you save a company money? Did you increase its revenue? Did you train a co-worker? Now’s your chance to talk about it, and discuss how it makes you a stronger candidate for this position. Remember, it’s all about fitting your strengths to their requirements.

Offer brief, focused responses.

It’s just as important to be concise and to-the-point as it is to be well prepared. Because if you keep going and going and going, you’re going to lose the interviewer—and maybe the job. Demonstrate your communication skills by keeping your responses focused, thorough, and specific. And remember to maintain eye contact with your interviewer and be enthusiastic.

Dress appropriately.

Business attire is always the safest choice. Even if the company’s workplace is casual, don’t show up in jeans and t-shirt.

Arrive early.

The last thing you want to do is get to your big interview late. Make sure to get there at least 15 minutes early to find parking and find your way around the building. You might even want to give yourself more time if you’ve never actually been to the building. Give yourself a few minutes as well to just relax.

Be friendly and enthusiastic.

Smile and say hello to everyone you meet, including the receptionists. It never hurts to make a positive impression on everyone you meet—especially if some of them might have an influence on the hiring decision.

Keep a positive perspective.

Forget any troubles you might have had with a past employer or co-worker. This isn’t the time to start venting about how they made your life hell. You want to keep things positive. After all, you’re trying to show the interviewer you’re a team player who always knows how to stay above the fray.

State your interest.

The end of the interview is the right time to let your interviewer know you’re interested in the position. You can ask what the next steps in the process will be, or get right to the point by asking, "Do my qualifications match the needs of your company?" Let them know you’re serious about your interest in their company.

Don’t forget the thank-you letter.

A thank-you letter is a great, easy way to show your interest—and show off your professionalism! Send a letter or an e-mail to the interviewer, although some managers view an e-mail as too easy, and think a handwritten note shows more effort. Just remember to send it the day after your interview. Express your thanks, quickly reiterate your strengths and their relevance to the position, and restate your interest in the position.