How to successfully interview for a job

Well, you have made it this far. Unless you have some connections on the inside of an organization, getting an interview can be a difficult feat. Depending on the job and the company, you can be in competition with literally thousands of applicants. Now, your goal is to make yourself stand out among the rest as the best possible candidate for the job. How do you do this? Read on and find out!

Preparation, of course, is the key to the whole thing. Start with your clothing. What is suitable attire for a job interview? Depending on the job you are interviewing for and the company's standards of dress, there is a range of possibilities. The basic outfit for a man is usually a dress shirt, dress slacks, tie, and dress shoes. This would be suitable for a man who interviewing for a number of positions. If you are interviewing for an office position, a business suit would, of course, be called for.

For a woman, a nice dress or skirt and blouse worn with dressy shoes would probably be a suitable outfit. Women can even wear a pantsuit as long as it is dressy and looks professional. There again, the outfit depends on the job that you are interviewing for. Make sure whatever outfit you wear is clean and pressed. Remember to pay special attention to your shoes. Make sure your shoes are clean and polished. And, unless, you are applying for a job as a tennis instructor, hula dancer, or construction worker, do not wear tennis shoes, sandals or thongs, or work boots to your interview.

Make sure, before you leave home, that your face is shaved, (men only, of course), your hair is neatly combed or styled, and that your hands, including underneath your fingernails, are clean and neat. Women can wear make-up if it's not overdone, and both sexes should take it easy on the old stinky stuff.You don't want to offend your prospective employer right off the bat with an overpowering stench of perfume or after shave.

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview. Companies sometimes have paperwork for you to fill out, and, anyhow, you want to make a good impression of being punctual.

Once you arrive for your interview, remember to be pleasant and mannerly to each and every person you come in contact with, and that includes receptionists, secretaries, security guards, etc. Stand up and sit up straight and in a professional, business-like manner. Don't slouch in your chair; act alert and interested.

Answer all of the questions the interviewer gives you. It doesn't hurt to talk yourself up in order to try and sell yourself, but don't overdue it either. Be prepared to answer tricky questions that interviewers tend to ask, such as where you want to be in ten years from now. If you don't answer that you want to be employed at that certain company in a higher position than you started out at, then you are going to fail miserably. Watch out for tricky lead ons such as, "Tell me about yourself..." too. Don't sit there and blab on and on about yourself. Tell the interviewer about a hobby, your family, etc., but be brief.

Be especially prepared to explain any time lapses in your work history. Many prospective employers are very interested in that. Be honest. If you were unemployed, then say so. Don't try to lie by saying you were out of the country or that you were self-employed if you really weren't. Honesty counts, and prospective employers have ways to tell if you are lying or not!

Don't forget to thank the interviewer for his or her time at the end of your session. Then, don't forget to send a written thank-you note to the person who interviewed you. This is common courtesy, and by using it, you can help to put yourself above the rest of the crowd!

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Acing your interview for employment

Anyone who has ever been through the task of an interview knows that it can be one of the most stressful events we have to face. There is the possibility of rejection, being underqualified, and if you can believe it, being overqualified. This article is a resource tool to help you ace an interview on your first attempt, assuming that you have the experience and education that the prospective employer desires.

There are many things that you should prepare for prior to the interview. Pick out the attire that you will be wearing before hand. Try it on to make sure that it still fits properly, that there are no loose seams, hanging threads, or any holes. A suggestion for picking the proper attire for an interview for men would be dark dress pants, a light colored shirt with a monotone tie, and a light-weight, non-wrinkling sports coat. For women, I suggest a pant or skirt suit in a solid color with a white blouse, or a very plain dress in a solid color. Try to keep to darker hues of color such as blacks, navy or grey. It will not be a good first impression to dance into an interview wearing a neon green mini-skirt. If the outfit needs any mending, do it while you have the outfit out. Replace any buttons, fix hems, and iron the outfit. Hang it in a spot where it will not get wrinkled, and possibly have the outfit dry cleaned prior to the day of the interview.

Secondly, you should see how long it will take you to get to the interview beforehand. Leave around the same time that you think you will have to leave the day of the interview, just to see what traffic is like. Take the exact route as the one that you will be taking the day of your interview, timing the trip. This will help you plan your day accordingly, so you know how much time to give yourself for traveling. The day of the actual interview, leave the house in enough time that you will be a few minutes early. It is much more appropriate to be early than right on time, or worse, being late. Nothing makes me think less of a prospective candidate than when they are late for an interview. It shows a lack of interest in the position and that the candidate is unreliable and irresponsible. Make sure you are on time.

Research the company that is hosting the interview. This is a very wise maneuver on your part, seeing as many prospective employers are curious as to whether or not you have learned anything about the company. With most companies having web sites, this information is very easy to obtain. Try to find out what the company does, how they operate, and if at all possible the responsibilities of the job for which you are applying. Use some of this information as a stepping stone to the questions that you can ask the interviewer. This is also a critical part of the interview that many people overlook. When I ask prospective candidates if they have any questions, and they don't, I tend to wonder why that is. Some questions that you may find easy to ask the interviewer are:

1. What types of responsibilities are involved with this position?

2. How is the work delegated between the various departments?

3. What departments are linked to this department, and will I be working directly with them?

4. Will I be required to further my education upon becoming an employee?

5. Will I be notified regardless of whether I get the job?

Prepare yourself for the interview. Figure out how you are qualified for the position. Do you meet the requirements set out for the position? Be fully prepared to sell yourself to the individual conducting the interview, that your skill levels meet, if not exceed those required. Relate your skills and experience to the questions that the interviewer is asking. Another angle that many interviewers are coming at now is a strengths and weaknesses angle. Be honest about both of these, it is much better to tell the interviewer the truth, than getting hired for the position and not being able to meet the requirements. Know why you want to work for the company, and what interests you about the position. Know exactly what you have put on your application or resume, so when questioned about it, you know what the interviewer is talking about.

On the day of your interview, wake up and shower or bathe. Try to relax, enjoy the morning, and read over any information that you have compiled about the company. Get ready, saving your clothing for the end as to avoid wrinkles. Women, keep your makeup and hair style to a minimum. Make yourself look professional, and respectable. Men, I suggest clean-shaven and a haircut prior to the interview. If you have facial hair and want to keep it, have it professionally trimmed. Take a few deep breaths, and be on your way, thinking to yourself, "I am qualified, and I will get this job."

TIPS FOR THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW

Once you arrive at the company, announce yourself to the receptionist and inform them of who you are there to see. When you meet the interviewer, shake his/her hand firmly, and thank them for seeing you. During the interview, if you don't understand a question that the interviewer is asking, ask them to re-phrase it. Answer the question directly, without going off on a tangent, and try not to answer with one word statements; elaborate on your short answers. Sell yourself; after all, you have the interviewer window shopping, get them to buy the merchandise. Eye contact is another safe route to take. I enjoy interviewing candidates that are not intimidated by my position. You should feel comfortable with your surroundings. Avoid negative answers, and as a word of advice, DO NOT bring up salary and benefits unless the interviewer brings them up first. Try to have a ball park salary range for the position that you are applying for, but wait for the interviewer to mention it first. After the interview is over, shake the interviewer's hand once again and thank him for his time. Ask what the next step in the process is, and when you can expect to hear from them. As soon as you get home, personally write the interviewer a thank-you note for the experience, adding you anticipate hearing from them soon.

These are all tried and tested methods to ace an interview, and with the proper experience and education, you should soar through the process. If you do get hit with rejection, keep your head up, and get back on track. Follow the techniques and before you know it, you will be happily succeeding in your new career.

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Preparing for a job interview

Do you enjoy going for job interviews? Most, likely the experience is not something that you look forward to with eager anticipation. Most people, in fact, feel pretty scared when faced with the prospect of the dreaded interview. Just thinking about it can make some break out in a cold sweat. Yet, you need to go through the interview process in order to secure a job. So, how can you survive, even thrive at, the job interview?

The key to success is preparation. Think about what your strengths and weaknesses are. Realistically assess these qualities as if you were an objective outsider. This assessment will prevent you from becoming too cocky in your job expectations. If you are a young person entering the workforce, you should expect to start at the bottom of the ladder. By performing your duties well and proving yourself honest and reliable you will earn the right for advancement. The first thing, then, is not to apply for jobs that are beyond your current level of experience and expertise.

A golden rule to keep in mind is that first impressions are lasting impressions. Therefore, groom yourself well and dress professionally for the interview. Give an initial impression that you know how to care for yourself. If applying for an office job, dress as a business person dresses. In a factory situation, wear clean pressed slacks and shirt with neat looking shoes. Avoid blue jeans and sneakers. If you are a woman dress modestly and use cosmetics sparingly.

Always go to an interview alone. If you bring your mother or a friend, the employer may conclude that you are immature. During the interview never bluff or lie about your experience. If this is your first job, then say so. Think, however, of any experience you may be able to mention. Baby-sitting, summer jobs, training in public speaking are things that could be mentioned and included on your resume.

Prior to the interview you should have done some research on the company and the job being offered. The interviewer will no doubt ask you specific questions about these things. Answering well shows a sincere interest in the position being offered and a keenness to be involved. You must convince the interviewer that you want to do the work, that you can do it and that you want the chance to prove it.

Be business like and formal during the interview. Don’t slouch in your chair. Look alert and interested. Think before answering questions. Have 3 references – with complete contact details – ready to hand over. Use proper English and speak slowly and clearly. Listen carefully and respectfully to what the interviewer has to say. Don’t mention any personal problems to him. If it becomes clear that you will not get the job, ask the interviewer for any advice on how you can improve at your next interview and about any other openings the firm may have.

After the interview you should send a brief thank you note to the interviewer.

Don’t expect to get a job off your first interview. By sticking at it, though, and taking initiative you can win that job. Go to it.

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Job interview preparation: what to wear

When it comes to job interviews, what you look like counts! As shallow as it sounds, your appearance is one aspect of your overall person that can make or break an interviewer's decision of whether or not they should hire you.

Though dress codes in the work place have become much more informal in the past several years -- it seems that the "Casual Friday" sentiment has invaded Monday through Friday as well -- job interview attire has remained strictly professional. A pair of khakis and a button down shirt may work once you get to the office, but before being hired, such an ensemble is always a no no. Both men and women alike are expected to wear business suits to any and every interview, and any exception to the rule may be a real cause of concern for the interviewer.

For women, the best choice of interview attire is a smart business suit in a conservative color such as navy blue or black. Although pant suits have become the choice of apparel for many female professionals, proper interview etiquette still calls for female interviewees to wear a skirt to the meeting. When abiding by this rule, be sure to use good judgment as far as the length of the skirt is concerned. When in doubt as to the appropriateness of skirt length, think of knee-length as the ideal.

Other tips for women including making sure to tone down any makeup. If you are going to wear nail polish (though you may want to refrain altogether), a very light color or clear coat is the best option. If you choose to wear jewelry, make sure that the styles chosen are conservative ones. Earrings should be small, and the number of rings and bracelets you choose to put on should be minimal.

For men, a suit is still the required uniform. Again, a conservative color like navy blue or charcoal gray is your best bet. Aside from being more professional looking, dark colors like these make it easier to change the entire look with just the change of a tie or shirt. This can be a particularly useful trick to employ when you need to interview more than once at the same company, but don’t have a wardrobe full of new suits to wear. Men too should choose to leave the jewelry at home, as the only thing you want to call attention to is your world of experience.

Careful grooming is something that both genders should pay careful attention to. Make sure that your hair is neat and professional looking. Long hair should be pulled back and out of your face (for both men and women). For men with facial hair, be sure that your beard or moustache is neat and trimmed. If you prefer the freshly shaven look, be sure and take the extra few minutes to get a shave in before the interview.

A final tip to remember – for men and women alike – is to go easy on the perfume or cologne. Though you certainly want to smell good for the interview, you don’t want to send an allergic interviewer running out in the midst of a sneezing fit.

So, while the rules of dress in the workplace may be more casual, stick to the rules of professionalism when dressing for an interview. Only when you land that job (because of your impeccable job interview appearance) can you start applying the business casual look to your eveyday work life.

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