How to Have a Great Job Interview

This article will show you how to prepare for a job interview.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clothing appropriate for the interview
• Resume(s)
• Computer w/internet access

1. 

   ATTITUDE
   
   If you are going to a job interview, there is a chance that you were let go (or fired) from your previous job. If this is the case, let go of your guilt or bitterness and go into the process knowing that you have learned something from your previous experience, and you are more experienced NOW than when you got your previous job. Go into the process with excitement about the possibilities and confidence that down the road your future employer is going to be happy they hired you.
   
   If this is a process by your choice (you chose to change jobs), you may have a lot of nervousness. Try to use that nervous energy to your advantage by searching and applying for as many jobs as you can that sound like they would be a good fit. Don't rest on one interview or opportunity, keep on going until you sign that contract. This will also keep you from thinking about an interview you had and driving yourself crazy from wondering whether or not you got the job.
   
   Attitude is a big part of the equation in job interviews. There are numerous psychological studies that show that attitude has a huge impact on a person’s performance and success in their lives. It DOES make a difference. Be confident, be excited and be persistent. Also, never underestimate the power of prayer. It works.

2. INTERVIEW PREPERATION
   
   Employers know that prospective clients will associate your performance, personality and professionalism with the company. That is why they are looking for someone who will "attract" clients; someone who will be a credit to the company. That is why it is very critical that you walk into the interview prepared and informed.

3. DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY, IT'S INDUSTRY AND IT'S COMPETITION
   
   Knowing something about the company, its industry and its competition says a lot about you in a job interview. First, it shows initiative. You aren't just showing up for a job, you are showing real interest in the company and its interests. Secondly, it shows the employer that they are not going to have to have to teach you everything about the company.

4. UPDATE YOUR RESUME
   
   Nothing says "lazy", "unprepared", "not what we are looking for" like an out of date, sloppy, grammatically lacking resume.
   I would also recommend styling your resume to make it stand out; add a subtle but creative border around the page, if you feel comfortable and that it would be appropriate, put a SMALL, TASTEFUL head shot of yourself on the page. This is especially effective if you happen to be an attractive individual. It's sad that it may sway an employer, but it could and you need to take every advantage you can.

5. LOOK YOUR BEST
   
   This is an obvious one, but make yourself presentable. Get your interview clothes clean and wrinkle free. Get your hair cut if it has been a while. Clip your nails. Brush and floss. Get your breath fresh right before the interview (but don't suck on a mint during the interview, that can look unprofessional). POSTURE! Posture is a big one. Walk in standing straight up, shake hands firmly with each of the interviewers and introduce yourself and sit up in the chair with your hands folded in front of you. Leaning too far FORWARD in your chair can make people uncomfortable (it can make you look desperate or too intense). Leaning too far back can make you look arrogant or indifferent to the opportunity being presented to you.
   Also prepare some questions ahead of time about the position and the company. This will help you get your questions answered and again show the company that you have put thought into the process and are concerned about where you work (showing an employer that you are discerning is not a bad thing so long as it doesn't come off as selfish or insulting)

6. THE INTERVIEW
   
   I heard a statistic that 90% of firings come from personality issues in the office. That is why during the interview process you need to remain professional and friendly NO MATTER WHAT! This will put the interviewers at ease and in turn, will put you more at ease.
   
   ANSWER QUESTIONS EFFICIENTLY.
   
   Be upfront with your answers with appropriate elaboration, but don't go on and on. You want them to get their answers, a little peak at your history and personality, but NOT YOUR LIFE STORY! For the most part, unless they are asking you a very detailed hypothetical question, your answers should only be a few sentences long. NOT PARAGRAPHS!
   
   USE HUMOR
   
   You aren't a comedian, so you should not try to be one, but humor can be an immensely powerful thing. When you feel it is appropriate (appropriate means subtle humor, used every so often...not over the top stuff every 2 minutes) use subtle, appropriate humor in your answers. Using effective humor will subconsciously associate you with good feelings in the minds of the interviewers. If it comes down to you and another prospective employee being hired for the position and you are equally qualified, there is a VERY good chance that you will end up with the position if the interviewers liked your personality better than the other person. These sub conscious feelings can have POWERFUL effects on people. Use it to your advantage. It's not necessarily fair, but it is what it is.
   
   ASK QUESTIONS
   
   This is where you bring out your pre-prepared list of questions. Having this ready shows preparation, concern and insight to your employers; all things they want in an employee. This will also help you get any questions answered or concerns addressed. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions, but always keep your composure and don't be rude.
   
   ENDING THE INTERVIEW
   
   Thank them for the opportunity and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. Shake the hands of all the interviewers. It shows class and professionalism.

7. POST INTERVIEW ADVICE
   
   Keep on looking for more interviews. Expect the worst and hope for the best with each interview. Keeping yourself busy with other job opportunities will help you from thinking about previous interviews to the point of driving yourself crazy.
   When you finally do get the call that you are hired; be thankful, be happy (but subdued) and ask them what the next step is.
   Congratulations!