Acing an Interview

The interview is the single most important part of the hiring process. No mater how dazzling a resume a candidate sends, a terrible interview will guarantee they do not get the job. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to improve your chances of acing any interview and landing the job of your dreams.

Make An Impression

First impressions are key. Dressing to impress is something that will never go unnoticed. While appropriate professional attire can vary some based on the field of the company interviewing, if unsure, it is wise to err on the side of conservatism. A suit is always appropriate. For women, a skirt suit may be more formal, but isn't essential in most fields. The key is to look polished and put-together. Your clothes don't have to be expensive, but they do have to fit well and look professional. Accessories and make-up can make or break an outfit in any occasion, including interviews. In this setting, it is important to look polished but not to overdo it. Tasteful make-up and jewelry make an impact, and too much of either will send the message that you are unprofessional, and not an ideal candidate.

As soon as you walk in the building, your interview has started. It will get back to your potential employer if you were rude, so always be polite to receptionists and anyone you encounter. When you are introduced to anyone, be sure to look them in the eye and shake their hand firmly. It is important to exude confidence at all times, without coming across as arrogant. Your potential employer may ask staff members about interactions with candidates, and you want nothing less than a glowing recommendation from everyone.

Be Prepared

Never walk into an interview unprepared. Always prepare for likely questions, and be ready to respond to the ever popular "Do you have any questions for us?" There are some questions that come up in most interviews, and you should go in ready to answer them. The first is "Tell me about yourself." Theoretically you can say whatever you want here, but there are some answers that are better than others. The safest bet is to stick mainly to professional and academic accomplishments, and throw in a few minor personal details. Where you grew up is often a good detail to mention, as it can lead to interesting conversation. It is generally best to tailor the answer to the company you are interviewing for.

Interviewers often ask about your strengths and weaknesses. Strengths are easy. Play up whatever it is about you that will make you the perfect person for this job. Weaknesses are tricky. Don't be brutally honest or you may cost yourself the job. The best thing to do is to word positive things as negatives ("Sometimes I just work too hard").

Never be negative. If an interviewer asks about past bosses or co-workers, never mention that you thought they were demon spawn and you couldn't wait to get out of that fiery pit of professional despair. Try to spin something positive out of a bad work experience, or at the very least, be neutral. Badmouthing a former boss is a surefire way not to get hired. This is key any time something negative is asked. Always try to make your answers sound positive.

They may ask you what makes you the best candidate for the job, as well as what you think ideal qualities are for this position. It would be best if the ideal qualities for the position matched what you play up in yourself. It is just repetition of why you are perfect for their company.

Always prepare questions for your interviewer. Asking about secondary duties of the position is a safe fallback. You can also ask about company or department changes, training, why the position is available, or growth plans. If all else fails, ask the interviewer how they got started. People love to talk about themselves.

It is important to at some point in the interview mention that you work hard, are punctual, are a caring person, have good management skills, and have goals. But don't lie. If something isn't true, don't say it. Play up other positive attributes about yourself. There must be something that makes you right for this job. Before you even arrive, figure out what that is and plan to talk about it. You are trying to convince them to hire you, so don't be shy. Don't be arrogant, but let them know how right you are for the job.

Do Your Homework

Nothing turns off a potential employer more than a candidate who knows nothing about their company. Do your research. In this day and age, almost every major company and most small ones will have a web page. Go to it. Be sure to know basic information like the size of the company, the nature of the products or services they provide, their target demographics, competitors, leaders in the industry, and basic company history. It is also helpful to keep an eye out for the company in the news, as well as to keep abreast of current events. You never know what will come up in an interview. If you know the name of the person interviewing you, it may be possible to use Google.com to find some information out about the person as well.

It may seem obvious, but you must know the basics of the position you have applied for. While you may not be able to find out all of the details, you can easily seek out some information using the Internet. The company web page may have a job description; if not, an online job board like Monster or Career Builder may be able to help. If you look at similar companies advertising similar positions, you can find out some basic information. This information can easily be used to your advantage during the interview.

Follow Up

The perfect candidate can kill a job offer by not following up. With 24 hours of the interview, send a thank you card to the interviewer. It doesn't have to be much, just a card thanking them for their time and reaffirming why you are the ideal candidate is enough. It helps to include the exact date and time of your interview as well. It will help the interviewer remember exactly which candidate is sending this thoughtful and professional letter. It is best to send a hard copy of a letter, though an additional thank you e-mail is also appropriate. But never send just an e-mail, it is more professional to send an actual card or letter. Be sure to express enthusiasm for the position and be concise.

It may be necessary to send a follow up letter to assure a second interview. This will read similarly to a cover letter, but will address what was discussed in the interview more than your credentials, though you may want to touch on those as well. Mention that you are still interested in the company and mention a specific plan of action. Don't be shy about following up. It is usually the candidate who follows up who gets the job.

Interviews are important, and therefore nerve wracking. It is possible to interview with confidence and ease, however. By simply being prepared, dressing appropriately, doing your research, and following up after the interview, you can go from a so-so candidate to the company's newest employee. When you know what you are doing and you are prepared, interviews don't have to be frightening. They can be exciting opportunities that open many doors.