Succeed at a Job Interview

¶ … Succeed at a Job Interview

The first step for success when embarking upon a job interview actually occurs long before you set a time and a place for the meeting. You should have a resume that is clear, legible, and up-to-date. You should also know why you want the job you are interviewing for, and something about the position. Research the company.

Then, once you have nailed the interview, set the date and time. Make sure that you know when and where it takes place, and ideally confirm this beforehand. If possible, see how long it takes you to get there, so you won't get lost or under or overestimate the time frame. Find out something about who will be interviewing you, if possible, such as their position in the company. Get an idea of what your interview may consist. Will it just be a chat, or a panel interview? Will you have to audition your skills, like doing a teaching demonstration? If so, prepare, prepare, prepare.

Come armed with some good stories and anecdotes about your previous position, and several good copies of your newly updated resume. Although you can never predict what you will be asked (unless you have the good fortune to know someone who works there or interviewed recently with the company), having some general answers to common interview 'stumpers' like 'what is your greatest weakness' is a good idea. If there are significant employment gaps in your resume or you were (gasp) fired from a former position, don't despair, but be prepared to discuss these issues during the interview. Be honest, don't lie, but not so brutally blunt that you hurt your chances of landing the job. Think candid and classy.

Then, look in your closet. Do you have an interview suit that communicates the right message to your prospective employer? It is better to dress more formally than informally, although if you are interviewing for a position in a creative field, wearing a colorful shirt or tie might be a good idea. A rule of thumb is to dress for where you see yourself in the field within the next five years, rather than for the immediate position itself. In other words, even for an administrative position, you should go to the interview wearing something nicer than casual slacks and shoes. However, wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Don't wear heels if you're not accustomed to walking in pumps, as you might be asked to take a tour of the company. Also, you want to stride into the interview room, not wobble, or be tugging at a too-tight tie!

On the day, have a good breakfast. Get up early for a morning interview, so you don't feel rushed. Shower, brush your teeth, and do everything you normally do in the realm of personal hygiene, and perhaps put on your favorite socks or earrings (as long as they are not too flashy). Do something a little bit extra to give yourself confidence! If you are worried about waiting for a long time, bring a newspaper in your briefcase, if there is no company literature to peruse in the lobby.