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There's nothing like getting ready for a job interview to make your stomach do flip-flops. You've made the first, and maybe the second, cut. You are one of few eager job-seekers invited in for an interview.
This is your opportunity to meet the employer face-to-face. To dazzle them with your energy and enthusiasm. To impress them with your knowledge and skills. To make them know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you are the only person for the job.
So how can you do that? The best way to increase your chance of getting hired is to be prepared. Remember that the interview process is not a social exchange. Employers are looking for reasons to hire you, they are looking for ways to eliminate you. Your task is to stay in the game. To move to round two of the interview process and be eventually be hired.
Ahead of Time
Dress appropriately. Today, professional attire has many interpretations. However, it's better to be over- than under-dressed for a job interview. While you may be allowed to wear jeans on-the-job. Don't even think about it before you're hired.
Know where you're going. Call the company and ask for directions. If the area is not familiar, make a dry run a day or two in advance. Plan to arrive for the interview early. But, not to early. Ten to fifteen minutes in advance is about right. If you get there sooner, wait outside for a while.
Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references. It's good to have this information handy if you're asked to complete employment and/or reference forms. Research the company and/or it's products before the interview. This will make you feel more confident if you are asked company-related questions. This also should help you prepare questions for the interviewer.
Ready, Set, Go!
On arriving, greet everyone with a smile. You never know who is standing next to you in the ladies room. Or if the receptionist's input during the hiring process. Always stop by the ladies' room to give your appearance a final check.
Once you're sitting across the desk from the interviewer give them your complete attention. Try to maintain eye contact. Don't look around the room or out the window. Look interested, even if you're not. You're goal is to get the offer. You can turn it down later if you like.
Listen to the interviewer's question carefully. Try to understand what they are really asking. An employer asking about your experience, for example, wants to know about your skills and knowledge as they relate to the job you're applying for. Answer questions completely, but avoid rambling. Limit your answers to a minute or two, at the most.
It's important to provide relevant examples when selling an employer on your skills. Don't just say, "I'm a team player." Describe an instance when you worked as part of a team. Tell the interviewer how it was beneficial and what, if anything, you learned from the experience. Have a few questions about the company an/or position ready for the interviewer. Finally, never say anything negative about your previous employers. First, it's unprofessional. Second, your boss may be a business acquaintance or former colleague.
Before leaving, be sure to ask for the job. Go beyond shaking hands goodbye and mentioning that you're interested. Be assertive. Tell the interviewer you want to be hired. Say you are looking forward to working with him or her. And send a thank you note within 24-hours.
Interviewing is an intimidating process. Being prepared is the best way to feel relaxed and confident. And that's the best way to get the job.
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