Improve Your

Interview Technique

A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you

do is going to either move you to the next round of consideration for

employment or knock you out of contention. It doesn't take much to

make an impression - good or bad. If you haven't taken time to dress

appropriately or if you say the "wrong" thing, it will be over.

Take the time to prepare your interview technique including knowing

what's on your resume, being able to present why you are qualified for

the job, why you are interested in the company, and practicing staying

calm and focused. It's important to remember that the image the

interviewer has of you when he first meets you is the one that is going to

last.

Know the Facts I've been surprised when applicants weren't able to tell me their dates of

employment or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their job.

Review your work history - and make sure what you say matches what's

on your resume. Take the time to learn about the company and about the

job you're applying for.

What You Don't Say What you don't say can - and will - be used against you in a job

interview. If you come to an interview chewing gum or drinking coffee,

you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not

enough deodorant won't help either. Not being dressed appropriately or

having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking or texting on

your cell phone or listening to an iPod while waiting to be called for the

interview may be your final strike and you could be done with your

candidacy before you even say a word.

What You Do Say Your verbal communications are important. Don't use slang. Speak

clearly and definitely. If you need to think about a response to an

interview question, that's fine. It's better to think before you talk than to

stumble over your words. Practice answering some interview questions

so you're comfortable responding the basics.

Listen It can be easy to get distracted during a job interview. It's stressful and

you're in the hot seat when it comes to having to respond to questions.

That said, if you do your best to listen to what the interviewer is asking,

it will be easier to frame appropriate responses.

Using Non Verbal Communication to Impress What you don't say during an interview is as important as what you do

say. What's important, when interviewing, is to appear professional and

attentive throughout the interview process.

More Job Interview Tips Tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner

interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more

advice for interview success.

Job Interview Videos

For more interview tips and advice, take a look at our job interview

videos.

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