Three Job Interview Tips

Rarely is a job just a job. It is often a major breakthrough in your life, can provide a solid financial foundation for your future, and offer opportunities that you would have otherwise never been aware of. For these reasons and many others, landing a great job is a high priority, and one step to getting the gig is nailing the interview. With the mastery of a few tips, you can increase your chances and decrease your anxiety.

Honesty Really Is The Best Policy

Yes, you may have slightly exaggerated on your resume, or sounded more qualified over the phone than you truly believe you are, but this is not the time to polish your image with the wax of lies nor suavely weave a web of falsehoods in order to impress. If you have great reference, then that is fantastic and they should be used. But if the interviewer checks on a bogus reference, you are busted, not to mention if the company finds out you actually never earned that bachelor's degree in marketing.

Do The Research

One guaranteed way to impress your potential new boss is to show that you actually know what the organization is all about. You know how interviewers always ask Do you have any questions? That is not to be ignored! That question is there for a reason: In that moment, you can show that you are genuinely curious about, and care about, this corporation you want to become a part of. Ask if they have upgraded to the latest version of QuickBooks that just came out, or if their mailing department has a bulk presort permit, or another relevant question. Knowing their company culture, and showing awareness of that, lets your interviewer know that you are looking for a long-term stay rather than being willing to ditch ship three months later for something else.

Cool & Confident

Choose a trusted friend or colleague and have them conduct a mock interview on you, and take notes on your weaknesses. You will likely be amazed at your little annoying habits that you never knew you had. For some people, they will learn how often they uh and um when they speak, which shows terrible public speaking skills. For others, they may be constantly swiveling in their chair or doing something distracting with their hands, which is never good for a one-on-one conversation. The best tactic is to remain cool, confident, collected, and charismatic. Even if you are an energy-crazed, bounce-off-the-walls party maniac, now is not the time to showcase your youthful exuberance. Stick to stoic professionalism and smile politely.

Otherwise, wear a nice suit and tie, use a firm handshake, and good luck. Even if there are innumerable factors that affect every interview, this handful of tips will at least increase your odds from those other ignorant saps applying for the same cubicle.