How to Ace That Job Interview

The following step by step instructions will give you everything you need to ace your job interview. It includes dress, pre-interview planning and preparation, resume tips. etc.

Instructions

1. After you receive your first call from a company about a pending interview the first thing you should do is further research. You should already know the basics about the company, but now you should dig deeper to find out specifics, such as what they do, how they do it...etc. During the interview if you know specifics about a company it will make you look good with the interviewers.

2. Next its time to prepare your outfit. You can only make a first impression once. It is important to dress for the job you are interviewing (This outfit prepration instruction is for business interviews). For highly professional business interviews I suggest wearing a suit that is navy, black or gray in color. Color selection is important because the color of an outfit can trigger certain unintentional impressions in the interviewer. Colors such as red are often loud and not recommened for the interview. The shoes are just as important as the suit. For ladies I recommend wearing a small closed toe healed shoe. Flats are okay if it is a loafer or dressier shoe. Open toed shoes are not always welcomed in the work place. Also do not wear big earrings. Small studs are the most acceptable choice. Do not wear a low cut shirt/blouse or short skirt. There is a healthy debate about whether or not females should wear a skirt suit or pants. Last but not least set aside multiple outfits if there is a second interview. Wearing the same suit to the second round of interviews might give the interviewer the impression that you do not wear business clothes that often or that you do not own very many business outfits (Even if this is the case we don't want to leave that impression).

3. After selecting your outfit do a test run! This is a particularly important step that many people leave out. Wear the outfit around other people and ask them for their opinions. Also see how the outfit behaves when you sit down and stand up. You may find that it is not comfortable, which might affect you during your interview or it could be to tight or big.

4. After you have selected your outfit review your resume. Although you may have already submitted a resume for the job, it is still important to have a hard copy on the day of the interview. Sometimes multiple people may sit in on your interview so it never hurts to have extra copies with you at the interview. Please see future postings on how to write a resume for help with this area.

5. Before going to the interview ask who might be interviewing you. If they supply you with a name google that person to find out any background information there is on the person. This will allow you to somewhat know the person before actually meeting them. I used this tactic to make small talk with my interviewer. It also lessoned the tension in the room and gave me an avenue to make conversation.

6. Prior to your interview thing of questions that they might ask you, such as what are your greatest weaknesses. Supply answers and do trial runs in the mirror. For further questions google interview questions. Pick a handful and answer them prior to the interview. Rehearsing the answers will keep you from stumbling during the interview process.

7. On the day of the interview arrive early. My rule of thumb is 20 minutes early. This will give you an opportunity to go to the bathroom before the interview to freshen up and help your nerves before going into the interview. Also there are many unexpected things that may happen on the day of the interview. On my first interview there was horrendous traffic, even though I left early I only got to the interview 5 minutes before it was to start.

8. Take a portfolio if you have one. If you have any examples of your previous work take them with you to the interview. They may later serve as an asset. If you don't have any work to show take a small handheld portfolio with you that has a notepad and pen. During the interview right down important things that they ask you so that you can later reference them during the interview or use in follow up interviews. Furthermore taking notes shows that you are inquisitive. It is always good to have a few questions when they ask you if you have questions during the interview. Even if you don't have questions always have something in mind to ask. (Questions about salary are always questionable so stear clear of these especially if it is the first interview) Also prior to your interview right down important facts that you can use if the interviewer asks you that question. You would be surprised how many things that you might forget when under pressure.

9. During the interview introduce yourself and take down the names of all people in your interview. After the interview is over you can send them thank you cards or thank you emails. This will help keep your name in their mind while they make their decisions.

10. Good Luck with the interview process. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me. The interview process can be full of anxiety but it doesnt' have to be if you are ready and prepared. I have successfully been through this process and would love to help anyone that needs my help. Please remember that every interview is different and the above steps are merely a guideline.

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.

Resources

• How to Get a Job
• How to Write a Winning Resume
• How to get an Internship
• How to Write a Professional Letter That Look Great
• How to Network Like a Pro
• How to Recession Proof A Job
• How to Survive the Recession
• Career Information Hub Website