A Few Words About Interviewing

Interviewing is an acquired skill The more you practice the better and more successful you will become While some people are born with enough self-confidence to be completely at ease with a hiring manager, others need to feel prepared before a meeting that can influence their career See if these tips can help you
Before

• Practice, practice, practice (videotaping is very useful so that you can see what needs to be improved)
• Have knowledge of your achievements-jobs, school, volunteer work, etc-and be able to speak succinctly about your successes
• Do not limit yourself to discussing only what you've put on your resume
• Research the career field and company for which you are interviewing
• Be able to speak to the recruiter about the job and company
• Have intelligent and informed questions prepared for the interviewer about the job and company-it will show that you've done your research
• Go over potential questions you may be asked and write down your answers You'll sound sharper
• But don't memorize your answers You're having a conversation, not taking an oral exam

During

• Sell yourself
• Know your audience
• Enthusiasm is extremely important, but be sincere
• LISTEN
• Be alert to opportunities to set yourself apart from the crowd

After

• Send a thank you letter to you interviewer reiterating your interest in the position
• Make sure their name and the name of the company correctly
• If you don't hear back from you interviewer by a specified time, follow-up with a phone call

General Tips

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled interview time
• Bring a notebook and pen
• Great your interviewer by name (using Mr or Ms unless otherwise specified) and with a firm handshake
• Sit down when invited to If an invitation is not offered, ask the interviewer if you may take a seat
• Do not chew gum
• Listen carefully, take time to answer each question thoughtfully
• End on a positive note about why you think you're well-suited for the job
• Ask when you can expect to hear from the interviewer
• Ask for a business card from your interviewer