The Interview - How to have a successful interview

There are several things you should consider before you go to your interview.  Below is a list of items to keep in mind as you begin preparing:

• Go over your skills
• Review questions
• Practice with someone
• Wear appropriate clothing
• Be on time
• Use proper body language

You have an interview scheduled - great! Now you need to prepare. Research the company. Review the company background so that you are familiar with its mission and the services it offers. Your research may lead to questions that you will want to ask in the interview.

Next review your skills. Know what key points you want to say and make sure you express them in the interview. Formulate your answers to questions you think you may be asked and tailor them to the job in which you are interviewing for. Many interviewers ask questions that require candidates to provide examples of how they handled a difficult challenge or work situation. Such questions may begin, "Tell me about a time when you faced a hardship in your career or at school," or "Describe a time when you made an error and how you handled that." When describing a career related error, tell what you learned from it and move on. Think about other questions you may be asked and have answers for them. The following are additional questions you may be asked:

• What do you know about our company?
• What obstacles did you overcome in your past/present job or at school?
• What are your career goals?
• How do you work under pressure?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why should we hire you instead of someone else?

Don't just answer questions. Explain your answers without being verbose or vague. For example if asked about an award you received describe what steps or attributes led you to winning an award and how those will be beneficial to the company. Don't simply respond with the date your received it and how pleased you were. Work in your skills in your answers. Have questions you want to ask about the company, its services, the position, etc. Following are questions you may want to ask:

• Why is this position available?
• How is performance evaluated?
• How much freedom is in this position for creativity, setting objectives and deadlines?
• What are your most immediate objectives?

Be conscious of your body language. Remember body language is very important. You can give an impression you don't intend to by not paying attention to your movements. Don't fold your arms in front of you and avoid shrugging and slouching. It can leave an impression of disinterest or represent a lack of confidence. Sit up straight and lean in. Maintain a reasonable amount to eye contact and exhibit confidence. Though more than likely an interviewer would forgive a bit of nervousness, confidence is important. Be conscious of your nervous habits. If you fidget or shake your legs when nervous try to control these behaviors in the interview by crossing your ankles or holding a pen.

Be on time. If you are unsure of where you are going, leave early or scope it out before hand. Dress appropriately. If the job requires a suit you should wear one in the interview. Make sure your clothes and hair are well kempt.

Now you have a good idea of what you'd like to say in your interview and how to present yourself, next practice. Have someone ask you questions. You can practice your answers and body language. The practice interview isn't just to rehearse your answers but to get both mentally and physically prepared. Remember body language is important. Be critiqued. Have your practice interviewer offer you suggestions and inform you of any negative body movements you may have made. Good luck!