Managing the Job Interview

Proper preparation is the key to a successful job interview. It’s never easy meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills and being grilled about your abilities. But much

of the stress can be quelled if you go into the interview well prepared, promoting yourself by providing evidence of your successes.

Be sure to take all your necessary documentation to a job interview. This includes your Social Security card, a driver’s license or other photo ID, your resume and application, a list of references and transcripts or other required documents.  

Seven tips for a successful job interview: 

Review yourself and your work accomplishments. Anticipate the questions likely to be asked and be ready with specific examples to illustrate your areas of strength. Be able to go beyond the descriptions and examples in your resume. Focus on the challenges you faced, the actions you took and the results obtained.

Dress appropriately. What they say about first impressions is true. If you hope to make a professional salary, look professional. Neatly and conservatively dressed and well-groomed is the impression you want to make. Don’t smoke or chew gum. Avoid using slang.

Be polite and on time. Be personable to everyone you encounter during the interview. Try to learn the name of your interviewer beforehand. Companies look for people who can fit in with the team. Sometimes the less qualified person will get the job over the qualified person who lacks basic social skills. On time means no more than five or ten minutes early.

Remain calm. Avoid nervous chatter, scratching, drumming your fingers or other nervous mannerisms. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, and don’t interrupt. Shake hands and exchange business cards. Be friendly and enthusiastic.

Be positive. No need to dwell on past failures, personal problems, bosses you didn’t like or criticisms of the company where you want to be hired. Some interviewers consider modesty a weakness. Learn how to reframe difficult questions so you can give a positive answer. Ask unobvious questions; about things you can’t learn from the company’s Web site.

Avoid talking about money. Don’t talk about salary until an offer has been made. Being too concerned about money can be a negative. Make sure to use your examples and work history to establish your value to the company.

Follow up. When you leave the interview, thank the interviewer and shake hands. Send a short thank-you note.