How to Ace That Job Interview

Keep your hair neat for an interview.

Everyone wants to make the most of an interview -- after all, it's your opportunity to showcase yourself to your employer. The key to success in an interview is doing your research, preparing yourself and behaving appropriately during the interview. If you can master those tasks, then you can ace your interview.

Instructions

1. Learn about the position you are applying for. Look beyond the job ad, to the company's website and recruiting materials for details about the position. Research the position so that you can be knowledgeable about the job and its responsibilities.

2. Research the company. You should understand the background of the company as well as its current situation. Read up about the company on its website and in the media.

3. Review your resume and re-familiarize yourself with your experience. Take the time to think about your work and volunteer experiences and what you actually did in each position. Be prepared to describe each experience and to convey what you learned from it.

4. Practice being interviewed. Ask yourself potential questions and practice saying the answers aloud. If you have someone available, ask a friend to pose as an interviewer to help you prepare.

5. Use proper etiquette in your interview. Be sure to arrive on time, keep your hair styled neatly, turn your cell phone off and be polite with your interviewer and anyone else you encounter.

6. Build a rapport with your interviewer from the beginning. Make eye contact, shake hands and introduce yourself when you meet the interviewer.

7. Ask your interviewer questions when given the opportunity. Ask questions that show you have an understanding of the company and your position. Do not ask questions that are obvious or that you can easily find the answer to yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Being on time and dressing the part is the most important tip I have to give you.

• Get as much sleep as possible the night before. This will rest your nerves and keep you looking fresh during the interview.

• Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse.

References

• University of California Berkeley: Successful Interviewing
• Florida National University: Job Interview Tips