Job Interviews

The interview is perhaps the single most important step in getting a job. The résumé and the carefully constructed cover letter were really only first steps leading to this main event.

When the all-important phone call comes — the one in which you’re told, “We’d like you to come in for an interview” — you know you’ve passed the entry exam and gained access to an exclusive club: candidates being considered for the job.

Be Positive

The following tips should be of some help, but remember this: they called you; they want to hire you (or someone like you); they’re fairly sure your skills will fill their needs. They have all ready culled you from the herd.

You can use this thought to maintain a positive attitude throughout the rest of the process.

Before the Interview: Research

Before you go to be interviewed, do your homework and thoroughly research the company. Know as much as you can about their products, services, sales, assets and corporate structure:

• Try to get a feel of the company’s self-image, what may be unique about its approach, product or service.
• Ask your contact at the company to furnish you with a detailed job description; ask for any company literature that may be available.
• Go to the company’s Web site.

All of this information can lead to a meaningful discourse about you, the position and plans for the future — both yours and the company’s.

Before the Interview: Preparation

Before the interview, think about what you would want to know about a candidate for the job. Would you ask about his or her abilities, experience and problem solving skills? Make a list of pertinent questions and then practice answering them. You’ll score high points at the interview if your answers are pertinent, comprehensive and concise.

What To Wear

While it is true that the “appropriate" outfit for an interview has become much less formal than it was a decade ago, you will be better off erring on the conservative side:

• Wear clothes and colors that are on the darker, more traditional side.
• Your clothing should be comfortable so you are comfortable; not too tight or too loose fitting.
• Wear simple dress shoes; leave the sneakers and high spikes at home.
• Keep the makeup, perfume and jewelry to the minimum. (Remember some people are allergic to strong scents.)

Click here to see good advice on what not to wear, from Monster.com.

At the Interview

Stay calm.

Yes, the interview is important to you, but if you are too tense, you will not be at your best. Don’t slouch, but do try to be somewhat relaxed. Remember to breathe. (Really!)

When the interviewer asks you a question, listen to the entire question and don’t feel compelled to rush your answer. A pause is better than an “ummm....”

Maintain eye contact with the interviewers (there may be more than one). Integrate as much of your background in your answer as possible, drawing on jobs or tasks you’ve done that may be appropriate.

Ask questions about the job. Asking about the job itself, not the salary or benefits — the scope of what the job might entail, its responsibilities, the company’s methods and modes of operation — is a good way to demonstrate your interest in the company and its business. The interviewers will appreciate this, see it as a good sign, and consider you a good prospect.

Tricky Problems

Many job candidates are concerned about specific problems that may seriously hurt them in the interview. For example, your job history might show that you’ve skipped all over the map; or perhaps you were fired from you last job or you know your previous employer won’t give you a good recommendation.

Such situations are only pitfalls if you are unprepared. Try to turn these “negatives” into positives. Alison Doyle, in writing for About.com has a variety of answers, which may be helpful to you. Click here to see her article.

In General

Your interview will be a reflection of you; this is the whole point, of course. You should be yourself, be calm and be honest.

Make your answers straightforward and simple, but not simplistic. Keep digressions and regressive explanations to a minimum.

If you are very concerned about how to act, what to say, and the questions you may be asked, there is a wealth of information available to you on the Internet and at your local library. Consider the book Job Interviews for Dummies.

These sources cover all of the topics listed above, but they also include sample interview questions and answers, and descriptions of different interview techniques you might encounter.

For more tips and resources, see our interviewing resources.