8 Interview Tips to Help You Land the Job

You’ve buffed the resume, hunted for jobs, and you’re finally getting a call back for an interview. This is your chance to showcase yourself, so make sure you take every step to outshine the competition. These 8 tips will increase your chances of landing the job you want.

1. Practice Makes Perfect
Try to anticipate the types of questions they’ll ask. Do some research about common interview questions and prepare some answers. For example, “what’s your greatest weakness?” is a dreaded question meant to make you think on your feet. Answering without stuttering or thinking for long periods of time shows professionalism and preparedness. Have a friend or family member ask the questions and practice answering them concisely.

2. Research - Utilize Easily-Accessible Information
Do research about the company and the role for which you’re interviewing. Become familiar with all their services and, if possible, any issues they’ve had in the past. Come up with ways to relate how your experience and expertise can help them solve these issues. Interviewers can tell whether you’ve done your homework -- a lack of preparation shows lack of commitment.

3. Bring a Professional, Living Resume
Bring multiple copies of a professional, updated resume. No hiring manager will ask XxKingSlayer124xX@hotmail.com if they want a job. Have a professional email address with succinct experience, education and qualifications specific to the job you applied to.

4. Look Good, Feel Good
Dress nicely no matter what the job is -- it’s always better to be overdressed than under. When you look good, you’ll feel good and you’ll naturally be more confident.

5. Punctuality Isn’t Enough
Don’t just be on-time; be early. Plan on getting to the interview 10 or 15 minutes early in case they need you to fill out additional paperwork. This will also give you the opportunity to observe the work environment.

6. Be Calm and Collected
During the interview, be genuine, personable and relaxed. Make eye contact when answering and engage the interviewer. Relate your experiences with needs of company and how you can solve some of the problems they may have. Lastly, unless it’s an acting audition, don’t fake your personality -- everybody eventually loses from so-called “personality fraud”.

7. Ask Questions
Job interviews are two-way streets. Yes, they want to know if you’re right for the company. But job hunters often overlook that the company should be right for the candidate, too. When it’s your turn to ask questions, turn the tables on them and interview the interviewer. Ask about the company’s culture. Ask about the interviewer’s background and how they came to work there. Find out what makes them great to work for. Ask what their biggest challenges are. This is your opportunity to find out information that isn’t posted on their website -- how the company works and what the people are like. It shows curiosity, interest and that you’re a thorough person. It also gives you insight on whether you even want to work there.

8. Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note
A day or so afterward, send an email to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity and restate your eagerness and interest (assuming there still is any). It’ll show consideration and further cement your interest in the position.