How to Succeed At an Interview

Rehearse your answers to the most common interview questions.

The interview is the employer's chance to meet you and determine whether they like you. Wow the interviewer with your knowledge of the company and your professionalism. If you prepare long before the interview, you can walk out of the room feeling like you hit it out of the park.

Things You'll Need

• Extra copies of your resume
• List of references

Instructions

1. Take the time to learn as much about the employer and the position before the interview. Read the company website and read news articles about the company. Carefully researching the company helps you understand what the hiring manager may be looking for and it can help you relate your skills to the job. Good research also helps you prepare intelligent questions for the interviewer.

2. Know the location of your interview before the big day. Do a practice run and check out the location the day before. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early on the day of your interview. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.

3. Dress to impress. Wear a professional and conservative business suit in navy blue, black or gray. Get a hair cut, brush your teeth and look well groomed. Avoid heavy perfumes and lots of jewelry.

4. Turn off your cell phone before entering the building. Greet the person at the front desk with a smile and state your name and purpose of your visit. Speak clearly.

5. Think before you speak. Repeat questions before you answer them to give yourself time to gather your thoughts. Your answers to questions should be concise and relevant to the question. Don't ramble. Keep good eye contact with the interviewer and avoid using slang. Smile as much as possible and limit using "ahhhs" and "ummms." Never speak negatively about past employers, even if you had a bad experience. Always answer a question with positivity.

6. Shake the interviewer's hand with confidence and thank him for his time. Follow up on the interview with a thank you email that restates your interest in the position. Contact the interviewer by phone after a week if you have not heard back from the interviewer concerning whether you got the job.

Tips & Warnings

• Interviewing can be stressful. Relax, be confident about what you know.

• Many positions are filled based on who you know. Try to embark on as many networking opportunities available.

• Many reasons for rejection are lack of confidence, or overconfidence, sloppy resume, lack of courtesy maturity or tact, lack of interest in the position, personal appearance inarticulate, poor grammar, vocabulary, diction. Too aggressive. Lacking knowledge of work field. Gum chewing. Poor academic record.

References

• The Wall Street Journal: How to Prepare For an Interview