So, You Wanna Ace Your Next Job Interview?

The Do's and Don'ts of Interview Success

by Cheryl Contino-Conner and Melissa Pendergast

So, you've submitted your resume. Not just any resume, but the resume you have spent the last several weeks grooming. The resume that has been proofed by your meticulous English major friend, your mother, your neighbors, your professors, and your best friend's uncle who is the retired human resources guru at a Fortune 500 company. And, now? Now, you spend your days pacing the floor, hoping that maybe, just maybe the phone will ring. And finally...it does!

Congratulations! You have a job interview!

"A job interview!"

Just the words "job interview" can make your palms sweat. So, rather than picturing yourself sliding under a conference table as five to ten people drill you on your life accomplishments and failures, think of it is as a two-way "conversation." Ahh! Doesn't that put your mind at ease?

Here are some other tips to follow (and to avoid) to help you ace your next job interview:

	research the company and the position before you interview.
	practice answering anticipated questions. Prepare anecdotes that describe your skill sets and job-related experiences in an interesting way.
	invest in your clothing. Purchase an appropriate suit, get a good haircut, trim your nails, polish your shoes, wear minimal jewelry and refrain from perfume/cologne. You want the interviewer to listen to you rather than being sidetracked by your lack of personal hygiene or unusual ensemble.
	arrive early for the interview. Showing up late for an interview is taboo. Not only does it express "slacker" to your interviewers, but also a general disrespect for their time and interest in you.
	ask questions. At the end of the interview, you will likely be asked, "do you have any questions for us?" This is the time to ask relative questions you have about the company and/or position.
	make eye contact with the interviewer as you speak. Looking your interviewer straight in the eye shows that you are confident and honest.
	show off your pearly whites with a smile. A smile screams, "team player!" And, there is nothing companies want more than a team player.
	tailor your list of references for each job interview, listing references who can testify to your usefulness in this position. And, offer to leave your list of references at the end of the interview.
	express authentic interest in this position and working as a part of their "team." Don't just state the obvious, self-serving aspects of the job, such as salary. Tell them the inherent aspects of the job that interest you.
	speak ill of past employers. Your conversation should always be positive. By speaking positively, the interviewer will see you as a positive person, and not a whiner.
	address the interviewer by his first name, unless asked to do so.
	ask questions regarding fringe benefits, vacations or salary. Wait until you have a job offer. Then you can negotiate salary, etc.
	testify against yourself. If asked your greatest weakness, reply with a weakness you have conquered, or tell them about a weakness that may actually be a strength in this position. For example, "My friends say I talk a lot" (when applying for a customer service position).
	ramble. Answer all questions completely, but skip the details unless they directly relate to this position.
	feel pressured to answer every question. If you don't know the answer, say so. You can't know everything. So, just express your willingness to learn.
	send notes or call more than twice. It's OK to send a thank you note as a follow-up, but don't harass the personnel department.

Career Focus Table of Contents - Fall 2003

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