10 Tips for a Successful Interview
The job interview is more than marketing yourself. Your resume was your marketing tool that got you the interview, and now it is time to determine if you, the company and the position are compatible by engaging in a formal conversation. A good interviewer understands this and knows that your future job performance will be very similar to how you conducted your job hunt, including the interview.
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Research
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Learn as much as you can about the organization you are applying to. This research does more for you than just answering the: "What do you know about this company?" question. It opens opportunities for you to show the interviewer that you are part of a solution, enabling you to explain what you can do for the organization.
Time
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Be punctual. When scheduling the interview, specify how much time you need. Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute?" recommends that you schedule your interview for no more than 20 minutes. While in your interview, stay aware of the time and do not go over the time you requested unless the interviewer insists on continuing.
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Dress Code
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Dress appropriately for the interview. Jason Warner, Google's in-house recruiter, said in 2007 that you should dress 30 percent above the job you want. If you dress up more than that, you look like you are trying too hard. Be well groomed and do not chew gum, smoke or use smokeless tobacco during the interview.
Identification
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Gather any information you need for the interview including your Social Security card and other identification. Bring a copy of your resume, even if the company didn't require one to apply for the job. Bring references, transcripts, certifications, licenses and any other supporting documentation that may be helpful.
Your Resume
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Spend as little time as possible using your resume as the agenda of the meeting. The focus of your answers and questions should be on how you can effectively contribute to the company. Spending too much time talking about yourself and past accomplishments could tell the interviewer you are self-centered and and possibly would ignore the needs of the company. Let the interviewer know how those past experiences can help his company today.
The Questions
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Answer questions honestly and concisely. Your answers should be between 20 seconds and two minutes long to make the best impression. Turn questions the interviewer has into ways you will contribute. If you are navigating weak areas on your resume, such as a gap between jobs, mitigate those hurdles by accentuating your experience, energy level and commitment to your potential employer.
Communication
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Just like the clothes you wear to the appointment, put on your best language. Take a few seconds before answering questions to collect your thoughts. Be honest and professional in your responses. Answer the question concisely and enthusiastically. Avoid using slang.
Balance the Interview
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A job interview is as much you determining whether you are a good fit for the position as it is the interviewer determining if you are. Balance the interview by asking questions and having the interviewer answering as many questions about the company as you are about yourself. Asking well-thought-out questions shows the interviewer that you have done your research and have a genuine interest in what you can contribute.
Evidence
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Bring a portfolio that shows evidence of your skill sets. If you are an artist, this may seem obvious, but if you are a crafts person, construction foreman, software developer or in another occupation that produces something or requires creativity, show your work through a scrapbook of photos, drawings or even video.
After the Interview
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Write down notes about the conversation immediately after the interview. These notes can assist you in future conversations and in creating "thank you" notes. Send a "thank you" note that mentions something discussed during the interview. Use the note to highlight additional skills that may set you apart from other candidates. The interviewer may be deciding whether you are a good fit with the company and employees. Sending a "thank you" note shows your professionalism, which reflects how you would act as an employee.
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References
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