Ways to Ace an Interview
Knowing the ways to ace an interview can help you find a new opportunity fast. Job searching is competitive, and one wrong move can result in another applicant receiving the job offer. Stand out in your interview and learn how to impress a job employer with your personality, skills and experience.
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Before the Interview
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Plan ways to ace an interview before you step foot in an employer's office. Employers see countless job applicants, and many possess the skills necessary to do a good job. Thus, employers often look for candidates with the whole package -- education, experience and professionalism. Walking into an interview with casual attire or looking unkempt can turn off employers. Good choices to show off your professionalism include a business suit; or if you don't own a suit, wear a pair of business slacks, skirt (preferably below the knee), blouse, blazer or button-down shirt.
Preparing for Interview
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You should achieve two key things during a job interview. First, you should highlight your interest and knowledge of the company by researching its history and what it does and how it operates today. Go to the company's website and read the About Us page. If you know someone who works for the company, contact him and ask specific questions about the company. Secondly, you want to anticipate interview questions, and plan your responses. Employer soften inquire about why you're the best person for the job, why you're leaving your current employer, strengths and weaknesses, future goals.
Timeliness
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Timeliness is key to acing a job interview and getting the job. Don't let something like arriving to the interview late cost you the opportunity. Employers are often sticklers for punctuality, and coming late to the interview leaves a bad impression. Don't arrive too early, but come at least 10 minutes before you're scheduled to see the interviewer. Map out your driving route beforehand to avoid a late arrival.
After the Interview
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Keep your name in the employer's mind by sending a thank-you e-mail a day or two after your interview. This shows initiative and demonstrates your sincere interest in the position. Keep follow-up letters brief, and thank the employer for taking the time to meet with you. Remind it of your interest in the company, and invite it to contact you for additional information. Restate your contact information
Children and Family
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Arriving at the job interview with other people isn't professional. Even if you need a ride to the interview location, ask people riding with you to remain in the car while you enter the location alone. If you have children, arrange for someone to baby-sit while you go to the job interview. Bringing a child to a job interview may indicate to the employer that you have child-care issues.
Be Attentive
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Appearing distracted during a job interview can also leave a bad impression. Greet the employer with a warm smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during the interview but don't stare. Leave cellular phones in your car or put them on silent mode; and if your phone happens to vibrate, don't divert attention from the employer to see who's calling you. Keep your focus on the employer.
Attitude
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Personality differences can prompt an employer to pass on a qualified applicant. Keeping a positive attitude during the interview and being personable can help you get a job offer. Frequent interviews and zero job offers can trigger discouragement, but avoid displaying a lack of motivation. Do not speak negatively about past employers, wipe the frown off your face, avoid being standoffish; stay upbeat. Build a good rapport with the interviewer. If she starts the interview with small talk, follow her lead. Be likable and engage in conversation.
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