Ace The Interview

You’ve prepared and sent out a stack of winning resumes utilizing tips you received at resume developing seminars and from career advisers. Your hard work is paying off as you’ve received three calls from possible employers who each have expressed an interest in interviewing you. It could be for a position which you have a great deal of experience, or, you may be in the middle of a career transition with little to no experience at all. Whatever the case, something in your resume stands out and you are being given the opportunity to demonstrate why YOU are the ideal candidate for the position.

Interviews are stressful – even for job seekers who have gone on countless ones. Here are 9 tips to reduce, if not eliminate entirely, your stress, and, more importantly, help you ace the interview.

Research: Knowing as much as possible about the company can make your interview more interactive and could be just what you need to get ahead in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company’s web site and don’t be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature. Google the company to see what other information is available online.
Typical interview questions vs. Behavior Based questions.
If you’re over 45 and are looking for a job, you may encounter some unspoken “ageism” when you go on interviews. Technical fields, especially, are populated with young workers. But in any company you may have to convince the hiring manager that you’re up to the job, both in terms of skills and energy.
Dress Appropriately. Give a fair amount of thought to what you are going to wear ahead of time. 55% of another person’s perception of you is based on how you look. You want that first impression to be not just a good one, but a great one. Click this link to get more details on what and what not to wear to an interview, as well as additional helpful tips.
Come prepared. It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going. Know the interviewer’s name and use it during the interview. If you’re not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references.
Be engaging from start to finish. Provide good eye-contact and a firm handshake. Listen carefully to questions asked. Don’t interrupt. Be concise and succinct when answering questions. Don’t talk too much. Lean forward slightly when the interviewer is speaking to show interest. Interject humor in the conversation where appropriate. Use the interviewer’s name.
Stay Calm. During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you’re not sure what’s been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.
Ask questions. An interview is a two-way street. Ask questions. Having no questions prepared indicates sends the message that you have no independent though process. Don’t ask questions that are clearly answered on the Company’s website and/or in any literature provided by the employer to you in advance. Never ask about salary or benefits issues until those questions are raised by the employer.
Ask for the job. End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest.
Pray. The day before your interview, ask a friend to pray with you about the interview and its outcome. Pray again the day of the interview. Ask God to remove all fears and worries about the interview and to go before you and and let you answer the questions boldly and intelligently.