How to Ace a Job Interview

After sending out stacks of job applications, cover letters and resumes, you have finally landed the coveted job interview. You really want to get this job, to stop having to search for a job if nothing else. So, how exactly do you ace the job interview and insure that you get the position that you have applied for?

First and foremost, do your homework. Review your resume and be sure that you are completely familiar with it. If it helps, carry a copy of it with you to the interview to refresh your mind when questions arise about dates, etc. Know exactly who you will be interviewing with on that day and ask for that person by name when you check in with the receptionist. Also know at least a little bit of background information on the company and be familiar with the goods or services that they provide. Don't overdo the learning, and don't make a fool of yourself by spouting an entire history of the company.

If you have never interviewed before, or have not interviewed for awhile, then read through some information to familiarize yourself with the most common interview questions. Plan out your answers to these questions and practice them in front of a mirror or with a friend so that they sound natural, but not contrived. Some of the questions are meant to trip you up on purpose, they are asked to see how you handle unexpected pressure. Other questions can be just as difficult to answer, but are meant to assess your values and your personality. Take the time to reflect on these types of questions and be honest with yourself. Do not just come up with the answers that you think the interviewer is looking for.

Review your planned outfit for the interview and allow yourself to be a little more critical here. Anything that does not fit your properly is out of the running, as is anything with holes, stains or would be inappropriate to the business. Do not show up to be interviewed as a mechanic wearing a three piece Armani suit, nor should you show up in your ripped jeans and beer brand tee shirt- aim for a safe middle ground for the interview itself.

Show up around fifteen minutes early for the interview- any earlier and you may appear to have nothing better to do, any later and you may run the risk of not making it on time. If you are not familiar with where you will be going to, take a practice run the day before and time yourself. Add five to ten minutes to your practice time to account for traffic and other delays and you should be perfectly fine.

During the interview answer each question carefully, being sure to speak clearly and slowly without mumbling, slurring or stammering over your words. Wait for the count of five after each question is asked before beginning your response to allow the interviewer the time to change a word, and to show that you are paying good attention. Research shows that women nod their head while they are listening to others speak to show that they have their full attention. Another technique to adopt during job interviews is mirroring- if your interviewer tilts her head to the left slightly, you should tilt yours as well.

Finally, do not rush through your answers or the interview itself. When you are asked if you have any questions that you would like to ask, do not rush in with questions about salary or when you will start. Be thoughtful, polite and confident, but not overly familiar and obnoxious. When the interviewer indicates that the interview is concluded, rise and offer your hand and thank her for her time. Smile politely and state that you are looking forward to hearing from her again to indicate your anticipation. Walk away and wait until you get back to your car before you pat yourself on the back thinking that you have just aced your job interview.