Interview to Get the Job

You've accomplished most of the difficult steps toward landing your job. Finding the one that is perfect, applying for it and getting past the initial screening have all been achieved. One more challenge remains and that is securing an acceptable job offer. This leads to the first and most important reality that you need to maintain when entering the interview - in an environment of high unemployment and thousands of applicants, you wouldn't be interviewing if they weren't interested. Assume that you a viable candidate and behave yourself with confidence and without arrogance.

The second most important concept is your state of mind. Positive and upbeat are always in order. Slap a smile on your face (a genuine one) and keep it there for as long as appropriate. But don't allow that smiley personality empower you. Keep in mind that you are the one who is seeking but not entitled to the job. Too many interviews are ruined by aggressive personality types who smile their way into the office and take control of the interview. The interviewer is running this event, not you.

Body language is critical. Don't do any of the classic nervous gestures - folding your arms transmits all types of negative energy. So does doodling, tapping your pen or glancing at your watch. If you're that busy (the language says), perhaps the job isn't as important as it might seem. Look your interviewer in the eye. One good indication that you're uncertain or incompetent will be looking everywhere else and endless blinking.

Don't be afraid to ask intelligent questions. If you have prepared properly for the interview, you'll know something about the company and the position. Interviewers are going to be impressed by your thorough preparation. You are well advised to ask about the nature of the job, the types of responsibilities and the department in which you'll be working. If the company is experiencing record earnings and planning expansion, you should know that as well. But don't oversell. You'll have plenty of occasions to talk about your skills and attributes, but not until asked.

Never, never, never criticize your current or past employers. The worst you can legitimately suggest about them is that you and they had some philosophic differences and you felt that it would be better for all concerned to work in a location that more closely resembled your background and strengths. Interviewers can legitimately believe that if you weren't happy at a company (especially if it were multiple companies), that you never will be.

Don't ramble about anything, particularly yourself. As charming as you may be and as interested as your interviewer may seem, no-one really cares about your military button or owl collections. Please don't roll out pictures of your kids or hamsters. Remain focused on the subjects being discussed, answer questions when asked and do not lead the conversation.

When the interviewer stands, you know that the interview is over. Do not terminate conversation and prepare your exit before this happens. Again, you'll leave the impression that you're finished with him or her and that you're waiting for the offer. Be sure to wrap another smile on your face and discreetly indicate your interest in the position. It is perfectly acceptable form to ask when you can expect a decision to be made, showing no unhappiness or impatience in the event that there is no specific date provided.

And finally, thank your interviewer for the time and opportunity. Please don't forget that everyone who is interviewing for this position is probably as qualified as you are but you need to distinguish yourself from them on a positive basis. It is acceptable practice to suggest that you'll look forward to hearing from them and that you appreciate their consideration.

Follow these suggestions and although you can't be promised the position, you can improve your chances. All of the usual interview conditions still apply - professional appearance, no extreme clothing, hair or jewelry, punctuality and courtesy. What you are selling is your ability. Your entire objective is to communicate that you are qualified to do an exceptional job and that hiring you will represent a gain both for you and the company at which you are interviewing. Believe that and make it believable.