7 Interview Tips

After months of job searching, you’ve finally got an interview for your dream job. You’ve rehearsed what you might say in the interview and brushed up on skills that will be necessary for the job. You’re as ready as you will ever be, right?

There is one important thing you might be forgetting and that is selling yourself. You know that you are perfect for the job, but how do you get that across to the employer? You want to shine above any other applicants and make them want to hire you on the spot. So how do you do that? Here’s 7 steps that you can take to really set yourself above the crowd in an interview.

1. First, find out everything you can about the company you’d be working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission statement? How does the job you’d be performing relate to the company’s goals? Finding out this type of information gives you great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and shows them that you’ve done your research and already have some background in the company’s business and objectives.

2. Really read the job description to every last detail. Taking your own strengths, find a way to tie something you excel at into a skill needed for this new job. In particular, be sure to talk about previous jobs where you helped achieve a specific goal that is in keeping with tasks in the job description. Employers give more serious consideration to applicants who have a background and a track record in their industry than those who do not.

3. First impressions count. And more so in interviews than anything else! Make sure you dress appropriately, but don’t overdress or dress above the job. Always arrive ahead of time - 10 or 15 minutes is good but not too far ahead. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic, personable and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people you meet and the work you’d be doing. Interviewers can tell if you’re desperate!

4. Show that you can solve problems and work well under pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills. If you can identify a particular problem in your industry or that you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer some ideas of how you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed and confident. There really is no need to be nervous - what’s the worst that can happen? Avoid fidgetting and nail biting or drumming your fingers etc… Sit up straight and look the interviewer in the eye when talking. Remember if you project confidence the interviewer will take notice!

5. You should always have questions to ask the interviewer. Let them ask their questions first and then at the end they will ask you if you have any. Some good questions to ask are: Why is this position open? Is it a new position or filling a vacancy? What is the turnover rate in the department? Ask any questions that will help you find out if the company will be good to work for.

6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, “Why would you like to know?” Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you personal questions, including references to your race, gender, sexual preference, marital status and child care situations. Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the job, not your home and family life.

7. One thing that people often forget is to make sure they follow up after the interview. A short thank you note can help keep your name at the forefront of candidates for the job. Recount your strengths and how they match to the job and state why you think you are the perfect fit. Close the note by letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the position and your confidence in doing it well.

On your next interview, follow these suggestions and you’ll be sure to impress any prospective employer - and maybe even yourself! Good luck!