25 Tips To Help You Nail The Interview

Follow these tips to "nail" your job interview.

Once you receive that phone call or email informing you that a company is interested in having you come in for an interview there are a few steps you can take to improve your odds of landing the job. With a little work you can drastically increase your chances of getting hired. Here are 25 tips to help you nail the interview.

Be prepared. In the 1^st century A.D. Roman philosopher Seneca said “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” and not much has changed over the years. Spend some time getting ready for the interview and that effort will pay off when you are relaxed and ready for the interview.
Bring the proof. Interviewers don’t want empty platitudes; they want examples of how you contributed in your previous position. Gather works samples, testimonials, and performance reviews— anything that supports your statements.
Successes and skills need to be displayed clearly. Develop some “sound bites”, or one-liners that quickly show your value so you won’t be grasping for words. An example is ‘I’ve designed logos for three Fortune 500 companies,’ or ‘My efficiency plan decreased product-delivery times by 15 percent without costing the company one cent, according to Charles Purdy, senior editor and career expert at Monster.com.
Know who you’re talking to. Research the company you’re interviewing with. Be familiar with company values, corporate culture, major projects or challenges facing the company, key personnel, and any recent news concerning the company. Google the person who will be interviewing you and use tools like Klout and Pipl. Use LinkedIn to interview people who work there, or those who have left, to get the inside scoop on the culture and crowd.
Do your homework. Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your past work experiences. Be prepared to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward this company’s needs. Have your facts and figures ready.
Put on your game face. Nonverbal communication plays a very integral role in your job interview. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest. Lean forward slightly to communicate interest. Nod your head while the interviewer is speaking to show you are paying attention.
Be positive. Even if they are true, refrain from making negative comments about previous employers or co-workers.
Connect the dots for the interviewer. Don’t make the interviewer figure out how you would benefit the company. Show them exactly how your previous experiences make you the best candidate for this position. Relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
Ask questions. The interview process is two-sided. Show your interest in the organization by being prepared with insightful questions. By making sure the position is a good fit for you, you show that you are not some desperate individual taking the first job that comes along.
Be on time. This should go without explanation but you would be surprised at the number of people that show up to job interviews late. If you can’t be on time when you are supposed to be putting your best foot forward you probably won’t be on time for work either—and your interviewer knows that.
Go alone. Do not take children or friends. You are not representing yourself in the best light by showing up with your girlfriend, your six-year old, or your best friend. Bring your resume and you’re a-game. Leave your fan club at home.
Look the part. Make sure you take a shower and wear industry appropriate attire.
Make sure you know where you’re going. MapQuest the interview location. Now find an alternate route. Be prepared for construction, traffic detours, natural disasters and anything else that could keep you from your interview. Fill your gas tank the night before. Write down the address, phone number, and name of the interviewer and take this with you just in case you are delayed or get lost.
Pretend you’re on an airplane. Turn off your cell phone, BlackBerry, iPhone, and any other digital device that could beep, ring, or vibrate during the interview. It’s for your own safety. Statistics show it’s nearly impossible to have a successful job interview while texting your friends.
Bring extra copies of your resume. Yes, your interviewer should have a copy but bring extras shows you are prepared and serious about getting the job.
Bring a notepad. Take notes during the interview.
Don’t babble. When answering a question, answer the question. Don’t start out answering a question and then veer off to talk about something else. Make sure your answer directly reflects the question being asked.
Sit still. Don’t fidget, play with your hair, swing your legs, tap your feet, or display any other nervous behavior. Take a deep breath before you go in and then relax.
Don’t flub the “gimmes.” Be ready to answer the “usual” broad questions, such as “Why should I hire you?” “Why do you want this job?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Don’t get caught off guard by questions you should expect and be prepared for.
Do not chew gum or smoke. Wait until after the interview. Don’t smoke before the interview either. Other people can smell it. Trust me.
Practice makes perfect. Conduct practice or mock interviews with friends, family, or career coaches in order to polish your interviewing skills and be relaxed on the big day.
Don’t assume anything. When the company calls to schedule the interview make sure to ask whether it will be a one-on-one interview, a group interview, a phone interview, or some other alternative interview format. For example, you could be interviewing with your hiring manager and an HR manager at the same time.
Remember you are selling yourself. Answer their ultimate question at every point possible: how do you uniquely fill their need and meet/beat their expectations for the position?
Get some Z’s. Get a good night’s sleep knowing you are fully prepared to nail the interview!
Be polite. Follow up with a “thank you” card or note.

About the Author

Anthony Sills began writing professionally in 1996. His work has appeared in “The Historic Westside” and on The New England Job Show. Mr. Sills has written professionally for a diverse group of international clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to media and interactive firms, entertainment brands, small business owners and community groups. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix. Anthony Sills is a ghostwriter for several small business owners and professionals. You can reach him at Anthony@ProfessionalPenWriters.com.