How to Interview for a Job

Show your interviewer how confident you are.

An interview is the critical step that determines whether or not a company will hire you. It's important that you prepare for the big day and that you're ready for any question. Go into the interview with the confidence that you are right for the job and that you have the experience to back you up.

Things You'll Need

• Copies of your resume

Instructions

1. Dress for success. It doesn't matter what type of position for which you're interviewing because first impressions are everything. Wear professional attire and make sure you look great. A nicely pressed suit, a new hair cut and a great pair of shoes can help you look confident and feel confident.

2. Bring a couple extra copies of your resume. You may meet with someone who hasn't seen your resume yet or the interviewer may not have had time to print copies. Bringing in a couple of extra copies shows that you're prepared. Make an extra copy for yourself so that you can refer to it during the interview and point to specific experiences that make you perfect for the job.

3. Research the company before the day of the interview. Know the company's history, the products they sell and any news and changes that are taking place. Research the person who will be interviewing you. Look at the company's website and read articles about them in business trade publications. Go to the library and use business research databases if you don't have access to LexisNexis or Hoover's. Researching the company will help you focus on how you wish to present yourself to the interviewer and it helps you form thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the future of the company and what they consider their biggest challenges.

4. Prepare and practice your answers to some of the most common interview questions. Interviewers usually ask you to tell them about yourself, to describe your strengths and weaknesses and explain why they should hire you. Jot down your talking points and bring your notes with you to the interview.

5. Keep your answers brief. Don't ramble; giving the interviewer a long-winded answer will bore them and they may tune out your response. A detailed, yet concise 20 second response shows the interviewer that you're confident and can communicate well.

Tips & Warnings

• An open job is yours for the taking. Prepare yourself and take it.

• Don't forget the name and contact information of the person(s) you interviewed with.

References

• University of Pitt-Johnstowne: How to Interview For a Job