Interview Tips

Prepare Yourself and Calm Down

Your big interview is coming up! I know, very scary situation. After all, if you don't make a good impression -- you won't land
that job! There is no quick way to get rid of the anxiety of going to a job interview. The truth is, if the idea of going to an interview makes you nervous, when you get there -- you will also be nervous. However, if you prepare yourself and arm yourself with great interview skills and tools -- you will be able to calm yourself some, instead of going into a frenzy.
Read the areas that you need help with or read the entire page; when you reach the end of this page, you will have a chance to practice.


Be Confident

Applying for a job you are qualified for will give you all the confidence you need to calm down and decrease your level of nervousness. If you are applying for your dream job, then find out what skills are required, and go out there and train. When you are prepared, set up an interview, because confidence in your ability to perform a job will carry you through the interview process.
If you are already qualified, remember that as you walk into the interview. In that case, you are there because they need a great employee who is qualified and you are that great employee who is qualified! If you are still nervous, hide it. They cannot tell you are nervous unless you show them you are.


What is The Purpose of an Interview?

Contrary to popular belief, an interview is not to find out what is wrong with you. A hiring manager is a person performing the job of finding the best-qualified candidate she/he can. With this in mind, go to your interview realizing that not only do you need a job; but, they also need you. This is a meeting of two people in search of fulfilling each other's need. Feed their need and you will be fine.
Before your interview, find out what it is they need. Study the company and go to their Web site. If you know anyone in the company, ask them to sum up the company's mission. Find out what the ideal candidate is and talk up those qualities during your interview.


Be Prepared

Plan to arrive 1/2 hour earlier, and try to announce yourself at least 10 minutes before your time.
Make sure you bring a hard copy of your resume. Also, bring a list of references and always hand them in with your resume, even when not requested.
Perform your research on the company. You must know something about the company and the position before you walk into an interview. Would you hire someone to clean your house who does not sound like they will be careful with your possessions, but they are dedicated and seek a position that will challenge them?


Be Genuine

Although you will practice interview questions, they are strictly for warm up! You do not want to sound like a programmed robot. The purpose for practicing is to reassure yourself that you have all the answers, and to practice thinking and responding quickly (just in case you are the type of person that says the first thing that comes to mind). Once you have practiced, you will find that you will instinctively know the answers. Let them flow naturally.


A New Job is Cause for Celebration!

A new job is something to look forward to. This is a wonderful step you are taking and you want to make sure your needs are also met. Therefore, ask questions.
It is best if you have these questions prepared before you get to the interview because you might actually forget them. If a few more come up during the interview then ask those first. It is okay to pull your questions out on a sheet of paper. This will only show the interviewer that you are prepared and you think ahead. If the interviewer does not present the opportunity, wait until the end of the interview and ask for permission to review some questions. Be brief; remember the interviewer might have more appointments lined up. Do not bring up salary, unless the interviewer brings it up. You can wait to discuss salary when they call you back in for the job or a second interview.