10 Tips
to Help You Ace the Interview and Get the Job
By
Helen Wilkie 
The interview is the "beauty contest" part of the job
search process. Interviewers get to compare candidates by
asking them similar questions and comparing the answers.
Being just the right person for the job won't help you if
you blow the interview.
Here are ten tips to help you come out of the interview
with a job offer.
1. Show responsibility by arriving on time.
Nothing sets you off on the wrong foot more than arriving
late for an interview. No matter what reason you have, it
won't completely erase the impression that you are
disorganized and irresponsible.
2. Show confidence through a strong handshake, a pleasant
expression and an upbeat manner.
Although you may not feel particularly confident, it's
important to look as if you are. Perception is everything
when creating a good impression. Weak handshakes are a
turnoff, so practice to make sure yours is strong. Sometimes
we think we are smiling when we are not, so look in a
mirror, smile and remember how your face feels when you are
smiling. If you smile, extend your hand confidently and
introduce yourself with energy, the interviewer will want to
get to know you.
3. Show initiative by researching the company in advance.
Even small organizations have websites, so there's really
no excuse for not knowing some basic information about the
company before the interview. If you ask questions that
could clearly have been answered through half-an-hour of
browsing, you'll come off as someone with no initiative or
common sense.
4. Show your priorities by focusing on the job before
asking about benefits and perks.
When it's your turn to ask questions, focus on aspects of
the job and the company and even the department. There will
be plenty of time to discuss benefits when you and the
interviewer have agreed that you are a good candidate for
the job. Asking about perks, benefits and even salary too
early in the conversation marks you as too to be a team
player.
5. Show composure under pressure by asking well
thought-out, meaningful questions.
When you browse the company's website, think of what else
you would like to know. What questions does the website
bring up for you? Use your knowledge to ask meaningful
questions, and practice in advance because it's important
not to stumble over the words. And, most importantly, listen
to the answers.
6. Show your business savvy by connecting your own
experience to the specific needs of the job.
Your resume tells the interviewer about your background
and experience. In the interview, you need to express how
this experience will help you do well in this particular
job. This is particularly important if you are young, just
entering the workforce and don't have much job experience.
If, however, you have run a youth group, that may have
sharpened your leadership skills. If you published the
campus newspaper, you will certainly have communication
skills. Talk about how these skills make you right for the
job.
7. Show respect by never badmouthing former employers or
colleagues.
There is no exception to this rule, and breaking it will
virtually always takes you right out of the running for any
job.
8. Show energy through your body language and tone of
voice.
Sit up straight in the chair, lean forward slightly to
listen as the interviewer speaks. Nod and smile
appropriately to show you understand. Inject enthusiasm into
everything you say. Nobody wants to hire someone who sounds
bored with the job before he or she has even got it!
9. Show sophistication by dressing appropriately.
Even if it's Friday, interviews are not casual! Even if
the workplace you want to enter is known to be casual,
always dress slightly more formally for the interview. Pay
special attention to grooming—scuffed, unpolished shoes can
send the silent message that you are careless in your
appearance, and the interviewer might assume you will be
careless in other ways too.
10. Show you want the job (if you do!) by asking for it.
This sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed how often people
forget about it. Remember the interview is also an
opportunity for you to decide if you want to work for this
company. If you do, don't hesitate to say so.
About The Author
Helen Wilkie helps people use practical communication
skills for success. For more on how to ace the interview and
get the job, go to
http://www.mhwcom.com/pages2002/interviewtele1.html
While you are at her site, sign up for Helen's free
monthly e-zine, "Communi-keys", at
http://www.mhwcom.com/index.html
hwilkie@mhwcom.com
Article Source:
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