Five Do's for Modern Day Job Interviews

There are definitely many do's and don'ts for job interviews, but some are more important than others. Follow these proven five do's for the modern day interview and it will definitely get you a step closer to landing that job you've been searching for!

1. DO PREPARE BY RESEARCHING
Always do your research on the organization or the person you're interviewing for. I'm always impressed when interviewees are able to relate their responses with the organization's goals, vision and mission statements. Search on-line, go to the library or purchase books about common interview questions. Role-play with a family member or a friend. My favorite question to ask is, "How did you prepare for today's interview?" The answers I get range from, "I woke up, brushed my teeth, combed my hair, got dressed and came here" to "I examined my resume to evaluate if I am a good candidate for this job, read countless interview books, searched the organization's Web site to gain knowledge about its culture and got a good night's rest."

2. DO HAVE FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
Ask at least one question, but no more than three especially when there are time restrictions. Asking questions shows your interest for the position, the organization and that you're engaged in the conversation. Questions such as "What is the most important quality you are looking for when hiring for this position?" will allow the interviewer to elaborate on the position and it will also give you the opportunity to express that you possess the quality they are looking for. Cha-ching! You've just earned another point!

3. DO HAVE A CLOSING STATEMENT
Don't miss any opportunity to sell yourself most specially at the end of an interview. Every statement counts, especially the few that the interviewer(s) will base your performance on. Believe it or not, I've saved a lot of horrible interviews with a powerful closing statement that allowed me to land the job. When you hear, " Is there anything else?" or "Thank you for your time," your response should be somewhere in the realm of, " If possible, I would like to add one last statement before you let me go..." and start telling them in a concise manner how hard you are willing to work for them and that you will not disappoint them if given the opportunity to take on the job. Don't sell them your soul, but give them enough "oommphhh" to remember you. Of course, if you get the job- make sure you fulfill your promise!

4. DO DRESS FOR SUCCESS
I don't care if certain industries these days allow you to wear jeans, t-shirt and "mandles" to a job interview- the rule is that you have to be presentable and not look like you just rolled out of bed. I've seen people come to an interview and looked like they smell. (I didn't let them hang around long enough to let my other senses verify my visual assessment.) For most job interviews, black, blue or gray slacks or a suit set should be worn. Add a touch of color to your shell or dress shirt- but do not go overboard by wearing something outrageous like a fluorescent orange tie. You want their attention on your talent and ability rather than your expertise in getting dressed in the dark. For more casual interview attire, it's never acceptable to wear just a t-shirt even if they say it is. If you want to wear jeans, opt for a darker shade or substitute jeans for khakis. Always wear a collared shirt/nice blouse and clean dress shoes please!

5. DO BE AS CONFIDENT AS YOU CAN
It doesn't matter if you are competing against an Ivy League grad, someone a decade younger who can type 100 wpm in their sleep or someone with a gazillion more years of experience. The fact is, the employer called YOU in for an interview and are considering YOU for the position. You probably fall into a category of your own! If you didn't have a chance, they wouldn't have called you in. While you are taking a shower, eating your breakfast, driving to the interview, walking into the interview room, shaking the employer's hand, you should be telling yourself, " I got this... they would be lucky to have me." Leave the cockiness to your self-talk, but nevertheless, mind your posture, make eye contact, smile, sell yourself and show some interpersonal skills.

IN ADDITION...

What happens after the interview is just as important as what happens during the interview.
No matter how well or how horrible the interview went, be gracious and send a thank you note via snail mail or email to your interviewer(s).

If you get the job- great! Good luck and show them what you've got!

If you didn't get the job, it wasn't meant to be and you just had a hands-on training session on interviewing. Now you know what to do and what not to do, so keep on applying for jobs! Do not take rejection too personally because it could potentially become a roadblock to your success in getting a job that is better than the one you were rejected for. It's all in the attitude. Keep it positive!