Job interviews give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and qualifications to potential employers. In a job interview, you must make a good impression while also proving that you would be a good fit for the available position. The high stakes of job interviews can cause stress and anxiety. However, with careful preparation and a few simple strategies, you can improve your chances of success.
Before the Interview
You can prepare for a job interview in advance just like you would for an upcoming meeting or test. Read about the organization or company you are applying to join. Learn about the organization's history, mission and current problems.
Find out the specific job titles of the individuals who will interview you. Look at the job description again and underline the qualities, skills and qualifications the employer requires or prefers. Prepare to answer questions about these qualifications. Think of specific examples from your work experience when you demonstrated each of these skills and qualifications. Prepare to answer other general questions about your work experience, your strengths and weaknesses and your career goals.
Come up with a few intelligent questions to ask your interviewers about the company or the position. Do not ask questions whose answers you can find in the company's website or brochure. You can base questions on that information, however. Citing the company's literature will demonstrate that you have done your homework.
Going to the Interview
Dress conservatively in dark, neutral colors. Err on the side of dressing too formally rather than too casually. Avoid makeup or perfume that calls attention to itself. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. Plan to be 15 minutes early. Bring several copies of your resume, printed on neutral-colored, heavy weight paper. Bring a notebook and pen to take notes if necessary.
During the Interview
Treat everyone you interact with politely, including secretaries or front desk assistants. Make eye contact with your interviewers and project a positive attitude with your body language. Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting.
When answering questions, speak slowly and clearly. If you need time to think about how to answer a question, take that time rather than blurting out an unfocused response. Ask for clarification if you do not understand a particular question. Support your answers with specific examples from your work experience as much as you can. Focus on the positive aspects of previous jobs rather than bad-mouthing previous employers or work environments.
After the Interview
Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note to thank the interviewer for her time. If you met with multiple people during your interview, send an individual note to each person. Reiterate your interest in the job and mention any skills or qualifications you forgot to bring up during the interview.
In addition to sending thank you notes, try to take time after your interview to learn from your experience. For example, write down any questions that you had trouble answering so that you can prepare for those kinds of questions in future interviews.
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