PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Your ability to win a job depends on your ability to identify the skills you have acquired and to communicate those skills to a prospective employer.  Even more important is your ability to communicate how your skills fit the organization's needs.  Successful interviewing is the result of preparation and research before the interview, professionalism and enthusiasm during the interview and follow up after the interview.

Research the organization and the specific job you are applying for. 

Know how your skills and abilities relate to the requirements of the position.  Learn as much as you can about the organization's history and background:  what the organization does, the services or products it offers, what its goals are, etc.  Depending on the size of the organization and the nature of the work, you can acquire this information from their homepage, organizational brochures, annual reports, business directories or online databases.  Professionals working in that field can also be a valuable resource.  If you can't find out much about the specific organization, at least learn about the field/industry in general.

Think through your answers to anticipated interview questions. 

Some interview questions come up in nearly every interview, and you should be ready to answer them.  What points would be best for you to cover?  You should think about your answers in relation to the specific position and organization with which you are interviewing.  Your responses should be thoughtful, positive and contain examples of your skills and abilities.  Avoid answering just "yes" or "no."  Elaborate when appropriate.  Practice your answers in front of a mirror, find a friend and role-play or make an appointment with Career Services to practice with Perfect Interview.  As you practice your responses to possible questions, you will become more comfortable talking positively about yourself and your skills.  Click here for a list of Common Interview Questions.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

Although it may not feel this way, an interview is not an interrogation during which you only answer the questions you are asked.  It is an exchange of information and there is a lot you should want to know.  The specific questions you ask will vary from organization to organization.  The answers to your questions should tell you more about the company, the position, how you will fit in and what is going on in the organizations.  These answers should help you decide whether you will accept or reject the position if it is offered.  Questions about benefits, vacation, sick time, etc. are better asked after you have been offered the job.  Click here for suggestions of questions you might want to ask.

Plan your interview attire.

Dress the way those interviewing you are likely to dress.  A good rule of thumb is to wear clothing just a little dressier than that required for everyday wear on the job.  If you are uncertain about how to dress, visit the organization when employees are coming to and from work.  Look at how they dress.  Do not wear something so unusual that attention is drawn to your clothes or accessories rather than you.  Pay careful attention to details.  Shoes should be shined, nails and hair should be trimmed.  Wear an outfit of high quality that you know looks good on you.  Not only will you make a good impression, but your self-confidence will increase too.  Keep accessories simple.  In the final analysis, the total impact should be one of neatness and professionalism.

Build your psychological confidence.

It is natural to be a little nervous before and during and interview.  In fact, mild anxiety can result in greater alertness.  But problems arise when you experience severe anxiety.  A relaxed manner is one of the most effective ways of projecting an image of self confidence.  When you appear at ease, the interviewer will fee more comfortable.  In fact, assuming that you are technically qualified for the position you are seeking, the degree to which the interviewer feels comfortable with you is probably the single most important determinant of your acceptability as a candidate.  Need help learning to relax?  Click here for relaxation tips and techniques.

Be ready on the day of the interview.

~  Arrive on time.  Be in the reception area at least five minutes before your scheduled time.

~  Greet the interviewer with eye contact, a firm handshake and a relaxed smile.

~  Use the interviewer's name when greeting him/her.  Unless you have been invited to use the person's first name, it is best to remain formal and use his/her surname.

~  Show energy and enthusiasm.

~  Smile, nod and give non-verbal feedback.

~  Listen attentively and speak distinctly in a conversational tone.

~  Avoid the use of slang such as "yeah," "cool," "you know," etc.

~  Emphasize your assets.  Show that you can do the job and that you will fit in with the organization.

~  Do not speak negatively about yourself, other people or previous jobs.

~  Be yourself - the professional version of yourself.

~  Treat everyone you meet as if they could offer you the job.  Anyone connected to the organization, including the clerical staff, has the potential to kill a job offer.  Remember that you are always an interviewee until you have an offer in hand.

Know what to expect from an interview.

Most interviews last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, although they may be longer depending on the type of positions you are interviewing for and the personality of the interviewer.  Take into consideration that, like you, the interviewer may be a little nervous.  Also, keep in mind that you will relate more easily to some people than to others.  Generally, the interview starts with some small talk or chatting.  Next, the interviewer will ask you some questions and tell you more about the organization and the specific position.  Finally, you have an opportunity to ask some questions.  Next thing you know, the interview is over and you are on your way.

As the interview draws to a close, you should express your interest in the position, your excitement and enthusiasm about the company and your confidence in your ability to do the job.  If it hasn't already been covered, ask about the next steps in the hiring process:  What is their timeline for making a decision?  Will you hear either way?  How will you be contacted?  Ask the interviewer for a business card so you will have accurate information later.  Thank the interviewer for his/her time.

Be aware of what employers don't want to see.

There are some key things that employers don't want to see from a potential new employee.  Be aware of things they are looking for that may put up a red flag during your interview.  Below are just a few of an employer's worst fears.

~  That you'll be an incompetent employee.

~  That you won't put in an honest day's work.

~  That you'll be lazy and only give the minimum effort.

~  That you'll frequently call in sick, arrive late and leave early.

~  That you're a quitter.

~  That you're a chronic complainer, a braggart or that you'll blame others for your mistakes.

~  That you'll steal, lie or cheat.

~  That you won't take pride in your work.

Follow up after the interview.

Immediately after the interview, make brief notes about how it went.  Note any important facts or points of interest

A typed thank you note should be sent to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours of the interview.  This provides another opportunity to state your continued interest in the organization and to draw parallels between your background and the position.  A thank you note won't get you the job by itself, but it will make you stand out in a positive way.  Not sending a thank you note could cost you a job offer and will definitely make you appear unprofessional.

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