Interview Tips and Techniques

Promote Yourself During the Interview

Remember, interviewers are merely looking for a reason to hire you so learn to fill those occassional pauses with plugs about your skills and abilities. just be sure to relate these skills to the interviewer's previous question or your most recent topic of conversation.

Bring Your 'A Game' 

Is there an accomplishment you're extremely proud of? If so, stick it in a file and bring it with you. For example, your folder could contain that extremely difficult report you pulled together for your manager at the 11th hour and any accolades you received for your work on the project. Let's say the interviewer asks, "How do you handledeadlines?" This is your opportunity to say you rise to the occasion, and pull out your file. Make sure you have a copy you can leave with the interviewer.

Rehearse

Once you leave the interview, spend 20 minutes or so going over how things went in your mind. Did you stumble over some interview questions? Write them down and decide how you could have answered them better. Write down those interview answers and practice them until you get them right.

Identify Missed Opportunities

Despite all the preparation, you still might forget to tell the interviewer something important. But it's never too late to shine a light on yourself. Try including a brief sentence or two in your post interview letter. You could say something as simple as, "My past managers commended me on pitching in with my coworkers to help them out," or "I was the resident computer expert who coworkers always turned to, knowing they could get help."

'Do You Have Any Questions About the Job?'

While you always use this classic question to get detailed information about the job and the company, you can also use it to promote your skills. Try including references to your skills in your questions about the job. You'll leave the impression that you are a growth-oriented person who would be ab asset to any company..

                                         TEN TIPS TO REMEMBER 

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first non-verbal impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company

Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much

Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may ramblewhen answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language

It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don't Be Cocky

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions

When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions

When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't Appear Desperate

When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.