Job Interviews Made Easy

Interviewing for a Job is Stressful, But Can Be Done Successfully

Jul 29, 2009

With research, preparation and a little work, interviewing for a new job can be a rewarding experience.

Searching for a new job is never easy and it is often be stressful. Job hunters will regularly spend a large amount of time and resources creating a quality resume. They will stress over every word and phrase. Then, when it comes to interview preparation, they do little to nothing ahead of time.

However, just as much time and resources should be spent preparing for interviews as is on a portfolio. By the time an applicant has made it to the interview portion of the job search, he is competing against dozens of people with similarly impressive resumes. The interview is what really separates the potential hires from actual hires.

A typical interview is brief, so the job applicant has to impress the hiring committee in about 30 minutes. Well researched preparation is key to succeeding in such a high-pressure environment.

The first step is to talk to people who work at the company. In order to determine how they dress and behave. Quality research is a must. Find the answers to these questions: Is the firm a formal work environment or an informal one? Do employees socialize with each other? What kinds of dress is considered standard? Getting a general feel for the company will go a long way in preparing for an interview.

Research everything about the company's business, clients, market and forecast. Use the internet to become an expert on all of the company's operations. Relevant interview questions can be developed from this research allowing the interviewee to sound well-informed and ready to tackle the job.

Preparing to be Interviewed

Is the interview going to be conducted by an individual or a committee. What are the job titles of the people involved? What will be most important to them personally about a potential employee? The answers to these questions will be a vital part of the job interview preparation. Any information can allow the applicant to better anticipate possible interview questions.

While many applicants ignore the fact, an interview really begins the second they enter the door. Secretaries, receptionists and support staff are already forming opinions that they certainly will share with their superiors. Arrive for the interview at least 10 minutes early to show seriousness of purpose and be sure to greet any administrative assistants.

Be sure to have an extra resume, portfolio and letters of recommendation in case a member of the hiring committee has a specific question. The applicant needs to be able to readily reference these documents.

Make a Good Impression at the Interview

An applicant should always be positive and upbeat. Any negative feelings about a previous employer or place of employment should be left at home. Body language and tone of voice are important in a job interview situation. Friendly, open and honest should be what the job applicant projects here.

Often the interviewee will be allowed to ask a question or two. At this point listening skills are just as important as knowledge or experience. If the opportunity for a follow up presents itself then keep the conversation going. The goal is to stand out from the dozens of others applying.

Once the interview is complete, give a firm handshake and thank them for the opportunity to interview and about follow up, or what the notification process will be. Lastly always send a thank-you note as the final part of the interview process.

The copyright of the article Job Interviews Made Easy in Job Interview Skills is owned by Steve Brady. Permission to republish Job Interviews Made Easy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.