Interview Success

Job hunting is one of the most stressful times in your life. Being either between jobs or on your way out of one you have held for a while induces fear and anxiety on a number of fronts. First, you may fear for your financial security. Second, you may be nervous about fitting in at a new company. And finally, you may simply be afraid that you don’t have what it takes to get the great job you really want.

To get the most success out of your job hunt, you need to focus on the things that really make a difference in whether or not you are hired. And of all the aspects of a job search you must deal with, the interview is by far the most influential to your future employment. It is also the part of job hunting which often causes the most stress. Many people fear being in that one on one situation with an employer and find that they choke under the pressure.

For interview success, keep some things in mind. First, you probably have a great resume or else you would not have gotten called in for the interview. So get familiar with it. Note your areas of strength and match them up to what the employer is looking for in the position. If you have the experience they want or the skills necessary to excel, be ready to speak about these areas to someone interviewing you. Do not be afraid to toot your own horn here. Talk about awards, sales records, accomplishments, and great accounts.

When you go to your interview, you want to look confident so that you feel confident as well. Dress appropriately by wearing business attire. This means suit and tie for men, and suit or slacks/skirt and blouse for women. Jewelry and perfume or cologne should be kept to a minimum. Always use impeccable hygiene and remember to smile.

As you proceed in the interview, lean forward a bit in your chair to show you are interested. Also smile and nod, or respond in some manner as the speaker talks to you. Always be ready with at least two questions about the company. This means you will need to study the company’s history and current direction before the meeting. Remember that the more you know about the place you might be working, the better you can explain why you are perfect for the job.