11 Tips for Job Interview Success

If the thought of going to an interview makes your heart race and palms sweat, these tips will help you gain confidence and remain calm and focused in your interview.

1.Do research on the company before the interview. This includes the company's mission, number of employees, locations, number of clients, competitors, accomplishments, history, etc.

2.The following should be obvious, but unfortunately many people still make these mistakes. Do not chew gum, smoke, arrive late, come unshaven or otherwise disheveled. Try to find out beforehand what the dress code is. You should dress in a style similar to the interviewer.

3.When entering the building, make sure that you are polite to the receptionist or person that greets you when you walk in. They will often be asked about their impression of you.

4.When you meet the interviewer or interviewers, smile, maintain eye contact, and give a good firm handshake (review the article “The Art of Handshaking” in the Etiquette Section). Let the interviewer offer his/her hand first. Sit down only after you are asked.

5.Break the ice by commenting about the office décor, or mentioning something that you've learned about the company in your research.

6.Remain positive! Smile, and avoid negative statements, especially those related to your last job , co-workers, or boss.

7.Come prepared with a notepad and pen, and any questions that you have about the company or position.

8.Prepare answers beforehand to some of the most common interview questions. Don't memorize your answers though, or it will be obvious that you've rehearsed them. Here are a few common questions:

a) Tell me about yourself.
Interviewers ask this question to find out both positive and negative aspects about your personality that may impact the job. It gives insight into your values, accomplishments, how well you'll fit in with the company culture, and whether or not you're self-motivated and focused. Include information about skills, goals, leadership positions, degree, etc. that fits in with the position you're applying for.

b) What is your greatest accomplishment?
Discuss an accomplishment related to the position. Make sure to explain what you did, and the results you achieved.

c) Why did you leave your last job?
When talking about your last position, always stay positive, even if you hated your last job. Say something like, “My last job was great, but I wanted to explore other opportunities and challenge myself”.

d) What experience do you have in this field?
Stay specific to the position. If you do not have experience, explain how your other experience fits in with the position, and talk about related education.

e) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Explain how this position will help you reach your goals. Pick a few shorter term goals and explain how they will help you reach goals in the longer-term.

f) What are your greatest strengths? Greatest weakness?
Choose a few strengths related to the position. If you state a weakness, make sure that you list steps you've taken to improve your weakness.

g) What type of people irritate you?
This is a trick question to determine how well you get along with others. Say something like, “I
get along well with all types of people”, or “I haven't come across a type of person that irritates me”.

h) Why should we hire you?
Talk about your strengths and how they relate to the job, and express your interest in the position.

i) How will you compensate for lack of experience?
Discuss related experience and skills and explain how this will help you learn the skills necessary for this position quickly.

9) Don't ask about salary until you're fairly certain that you'll be offered the job.
Make sure that you have an idea what someone in a similar position with your experience and education would make. Try to avoid discussing how much you made in previous positions if you had a low salary, and don't accept an offer for less than you're worth. Also, be wary of companies that start you off at a low salary, and say “after your probationary period, you'll make a much higher salary.” Often this is an empty promise.

10) Once the interview is over, ask a question about the next step in the interview process, such as, “I'm very enthusiastic about this position, what's the next step?”, or “may I call you if I have further questions about the position?”

11) Make sure to thank the interviewer(s), smile, and give a firm handshake as you leave. Express your interest in the position, and say that you look forward to meeting with them again.