Employment Spot

Interview Tips to Get the Job

Preparing for an interview is a time consuming and involved process. Getting the interview may be seen as the greatest barrier in finding employment, but getting ready for an interview is another important step in finding the right job. Of course, not all interviews are equal. Some interviews may involve more pressure than others or require more preparation. For example, the interview for your first job after college could be the most nerve-racking of your career. Or the interview to get the big promotion you have always wanted could leave you sleepless for days. On the other hand, some interviews, like an interview for a job you are not sure you want, could seem unimportant. However you are feeling, there are certain things you should do to prepare. Even if the interview does not seem too important, always make a good impression.

• Invest in your Dress 
  Always look your best at an interview. Women should wear their hair in a modern and appropriate style. For both men and women, hair should be recently washed and styled. Women should wear some makeup, but should never go over the top. Nails and hands should be moisturized and groomed. Clothes should be conservative but also modern. Invest in a good suit! Taking the time to look great for an interview will not only impress the interviewer, it will give you a solid boost of confidence. People perform best when they look their best. Adhere to that famous adage: Dress for the job you want.
  
• Know the Company
  It would be very embarrassing if the hiring manager asked you a question about the company and you either did not know or worse, got it wrong. Research everything you can about the company before the interview. Know it well enough to avoid verbal stumbles during the questions. Check to see if the company or its related industry has been in the news recently. Not only will this help you to prepare, you could get some insightful and well-thought questions from this research that you can ask of the interviewer.
  
• Impress, Not Annoy
  The interview is a time to showcase your strengths and personality for the hiring manager. Your chances of employment will improve if you impress him or her, but there is a fine line between impressing someone and annoying him or her. Answer questions in a way that focuses attention on your strengths and abilities, but do not go on and on. No one wants to work with a braggart.
  
• Ask the Right Questions
  When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, give a positive smile and proceed with a few prepared questions. Never walk into an interview with no idea of what you will ask at the end. An interviewer is looking for someone who can engage in conversation and wants to know more about the company and the position. It is always smart to ask about the day to day duties of the position or why the interviewer wanted to work for the company.
  
• Demonstrate Enthusiasm
  No interviewer wants to spend time with someone who acts as though he or she is bored. When you arrive at the interview, initially say thank you for the opportunity to be there and how nice it is to meet the interviewer. Throughout the interview you should smile and acknowledge interest in the position. At the end, state how interested you are in the position and the company and how much you have enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about them. Thank the interviewer again for his or her time. These verbal clues will help the interviewer to gauge your interest. Companies do not want to offer employment to someone who does not appear to desire the position.
  
• Make Eye Contact
  Some people are naturally adept at making eye contact with others and engaging in conversation. If this skill does not come naturally to you, try to practice before an interview. It may seem odd to do so, but interviewers may be turned off by someone who cannot look them in the eye. Start with a mirror and engaging yourself in conversation while maintaining eye contact. Ask a close friend or family member to work with you and hold eye contact during questions and answers.
  
• Review Your Information 
  Depending on the type of interview, you may be asked questions about what you know. For example, an interview for an engineering job may require answering questions about actual problems. Before you go to an interview, review basic facts related to your industry or desired career. You may want to look over old notes from college or your previous employment and answer some example questions. You can never prepare too much.

Good luck with the interview process. Remember to always send a thank you note after an interview and offer to contact the interviewer with any additional information. With the proper amount of preparation, the interview will be much more comfortable. Your employment opportunities are sure to increase with a great interview!

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