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The Ultimate Guide to Interview Preparation

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The Ultimate Guide to Interview Preparation

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11 Tips are provided in this "Ultimate Guide" to help you prepare. There are plenty of things you can do to be focused while being interviewed. The top three tips are to research the organization, know the job description and get to know your interviewer. These are very important. You want to make sure you know these very well. One thing that this website that stands out is that towards the end there is a link that is provided called "30-Minute Interview Answers Crash Course." This can be very helpful for a beginner going to their first interview or someone that just needs a refresh.

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For many job seekers, the interview is the most stressful part of the process. As your first (and perhaps only) face-to-face meeting with the potential employer, there's a lot of pressure to showcase your skills, your relevancy, and your cultural fit during one 60-minute conversation.

The secret to doing well in an interview-and minimizing your pre-interview anxiety-is to thoroughly prepare ahead of time. Indeed, there are plenty of things you can do well before your interview that put you in a position to succeed once the meeting starts.

Here are 11 tips on how you can put yourself in a winning position with solid interview preparation.

1. Research the organization

Before walking into an interview, you need to do your homework. That means researching the company, knowing the products or services they provide, understanding the industry within which they operate, and getting a sense of the challenges they face.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is to ask a question, the answer to which is readily available online. Spend a few hours reviewing everything you can on the organization's website and social media channels. Look for recent stories about the organization on Google News.

If possible, review the company's most recent annual report. And check out perspectives from current and former employees on GlassDoor.com. (Just treat these employee reviews with a degree of skepticism, as they tend to be either very negative or very positive.)

The goal is to enter your interview already knowing the organization's challenges and priorities. This enables you to present yourself as someone who can help solve specific pain points for the employer.

2. Study the job description

This tip comes from Don Raskin, author of The Dirty Little Secrets of Getting Your Dream Job. (Check out our podcast interview with Don on Episode 029 of Find Your Dream Job.)

Don always asks job candidates to summarize the position interviewing for. Amazingly, many interviewees show a fundamental misunderstanding of the job and its requirements.

You can't present yourself as the perfect fit for a job if you don't fully understand the job. Take some time to review the original job description. Print it out, write notes on it and take it with you to the interview. (This is a great visual cue to the hiring manager!). Make sure you're absolutely clear on the responsibilities and tasks associated with the position.

It can also be helpful to look for other job postings with the same job title. This gives you a sense of what other people and organizations are looking for in similar positions. While you have to structure your interview responses around the specific job description provided by the employer, understanding the full scope of responsibilities in your profession reflects well on you.

3. Get to know your interviewer (or interviewers)

When you schedule your interview time, always make sure to ask who you will be meeting with. Try to get the full name and title of all your interviewers. This is important information because it allows you to do targeted research before you walk into the office.

Find the LinkedIn and social media profiles of everyone you will meet at the interview. Familiarize yourself with their professional bios and responsibilities in within the organization. Always look for shared connections-both mutual acquaintances and common interests. These are great touch-points for building a personal rapport with your interviewers.

Don't worry about the interviewer seeing that you've viewed their LinkedIn profile. This is actually a good thing, as it's addition proof that you're doing your homework.

4. Know your story

Many interviews start with the same question: " Tell me about yourself. " This is a deceptively open-ended prompt and one that trips up many job seekers. But it doesn't have to.

The interviewer isn't looking for your life story, or a rundown of every job you've had. What they really want is an explanation of why you're interested in the job-at-hand. Your goal is to construct a concise narrative about your career that culminates in you applying for this specific job.

What threads tie together your career? What problems and challenges do you enjoy tackling? And how do these interests align with the job on the table?

This is a response you can have scripted in your head, well ahead of the actual interview. Craft a compelling, honest story and practice your pitch ahead of time. This will help you start your interview off right.

5. Have prepared answers for the easy questions

Here are a few other questions that you're likely to get in an interview:

What are your strengths?

Tell me about your biggest weakness?

Why are you looking for a new job?

Since you can expect to hear some variation of these questions, you can safely prepare your responses ahead of time. Take the time to think through possible answers to each prompt, remembering to tie your skills and problem solving abilities into each response. A little bit of practice can help you hit these softball questions out of the park.

Want to know other questions that you're likely to hear in an interview? Check out this Mac's List resource, The 50 Most Common Interview Questions.

6. Print copies of your resume

This is an old piece of advice, but one that is still relevant, even in our digital age. Make sure you bring hard copies of your resume to the interview-at least one copy for everyone with whom you're scheduled to meet.

You might not actually need these print-outs but it's good to have them just in case. In the event that your interviewers don't have a copy of your resume, you'll look like a polished and prepared professional when you pull a crisp version out of your bag.

7. Select your outfit the night before

This sounds easy, right? But how often have have you tried something on, only to decide that it's not the right outfit? And an hour later, your closet is empty and your floor littered with discarded wardrobe options. It happens to everyone and it's stressful.

Take the time to figure out the perfect outfit the night before your interview. That way you're not trying to make a decision the day-of, when you're already worried about other things.

When picking the outfit, always err on the side of being more formal. Unless you are told otherwise, you want to wear business attire. This means a suit or jacket for men, and a suit, business dress or blouse-slack combo for women.

Some coaches recommend trying to match the office dress code with your interview outfit. I think this is a mistake... save the hoodie and jeans until after you get hired.

8. Get a good night's sleep

I know... almost everyone needs more sleep. We all lead busy lives and are want to squeeze more hours into the day. Plus, all the good TV shows are on until 11pm! But going to bed early and getting a full eight-plus hours of sleep can do wonders for your performance the next day.

Research shows that even mild sleep deprivation can cause memory loss, impaired judgement, decreased attention-spans, and a host of other ill-effects. This is not the state of mind you want to be in at an interview, where you absolutely need to be at the top of your game.

Make it a point to hit the hay extra early the night before your next interview. Put away your phone and other digital distractions that can keep you awake. And record that episode of Game of Thrones to watch some other time. You'll be thankful you did the next morning.

9. Know where you are going

Always confirm the location of-and directions to-your interview site at least a day before the interview. If you have questions about parking, building access, or any other logistical issue, call the company and ask ahead of time. You don't want to show up late for your interview because you didn't know where to park.

Also, make sure you've map out your route to the interview, whether you plan on driving or taking public transport. You're already going to have pre-interview jitters; don't make them worse by getting lost on your way to the meeting. Remember: Google Maps is your friend!

10. Give yourself plenty of time

Do you know what's more stressful than an interview? Sitting in a traffic jam when you're supposed to be sitting in an interview room! Always make sure you have more time than you need to arrive for your meeting. As a general rule, you should always plan for the worst case traffic scenario when estimating how long it will take you to get to your interview.

Always err on the side of arriving early. However, don't show up for your interview more than five minutes before your allotted time. (Your interviewer is probably a busy professional-don't add to their stress by hurrying their schedule.) If you running way ahead of schedule, kill some time at a coffee shop or window shopping.

11. Relax

Another task that is easier said than done. Just keep in mind that, in scoring an interview, you've already cleared a major hurdle in the job search process. Obviously, there's more work to be done if you want to close the deal, buy you can take pride in two probable facts:

The employer already believes you have the technical skills for the job

You're one of a small group of applicants to get an interview

You should feel confident, empowered, and cautiously-optimistic walking into your interview. Out of a huge stack of resumes, the organization found something special in your application-something it really liked about you. Now you just have to affirm the idea that you are the right person for the job. All the preparation you've done ahead of your interview puts you in a great position to accomplish this goal.

Have a big interview coming up?

Don't walk in unprepared! Learn the winning way to answer nearly any question with our 30-minute Interview Answers Crash Course.

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The Ultimate Guide to Interview Preparation

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For many job seekers, the interview is the most stressful part of the process. As your first (and perhaps only) face-to-face meeting with the potential employer, there's a lot of pressure to showcase your skills, your relevancy, and your cultural fit during one 60-minute conversation.

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There are very unique tips in this article but something else stood out more and was very interesting to read about. Other than just focusing on the job preparation, it says you should focus on yourself. I never thought about that or in that way. As a person you are getting ready for something that will allow you to grow as a person and in your career. Having the ability to get interviewed is a privilege, no matter how it turns out, having the experience of being in an interview can help out in the future. Being self-motivated is very important and can help you figure out what is right for you in the long run. There are other articles provided that can help you when preparing that really help out.

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After you've built your résumé, written a great cover letter and scheduled the interview, it's time to meet the interviewer and get the position you've applied for. This guide can help you prepare for your important interview day.

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Know Your Target

Companies like candidates who know what they want from a job. They are also impressed with someone who has done research before arriving at the interview. Make the effort to look into the organization you're interested in, and you'll find yourself ahead of the competition.

To get a sense of how the organization you're interested in sees itself, go to their corporate website and read about the company's history and plans for the future. Company websites, along with their official social media pages, often have employee photos or posts about the business, both of which will give you some idea of the company culture. You can also read the company's brochures and annual reports if they've been made publicly available. No matter the size of the company, you can do a web search for the organization's name and read any articles that may have mentioned the company. For example, you may discover that the organization was recently involved in a charitable event-or a lawsuit.

You may also be interested to find out what other people think about the organization you're interested in. These days, most organizations are rated and reviewed by online users in some way. Just be wary about what you're reading, because anyone can post an opinion, whether it's an accurate representation or not. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau is an organization that helps people find trustworthy businesses and charities, and may be able to tell you if the organization you're interested in is a member or not.

As you do this research, you can begin to develop questions and take them with you to the interview.

Know Yourself

During an interview, your job is to sell yourself, so you need to know your skills well enough to do this effectively. Connecting your skills with the company's needs is the best way to get hired.

List your accomplishments and then think of which skills it took to do them. Did baby-sitting require psychological sensitivity? Did selling kitchen knives require skills of persuasion? Did playing school sports and maintaining a high GPA require strong time-management skills? Review your skills list and refine it into a "package" you can explain easily in a minute or two.

And don't forget to sell yourself as a person. Most organizations want honest, smart, friendly, motivated and responsible employees. Do you deal well with people? Are you smart and conscientious? Self-motivated? For example, did you show determination to get back on the slopes after you broke your leg skiing? Again, after you make your list, refine it so you can explain your personal assets in a minute or two. It's also wise to remember that everything you say is part of the interview, even if you end up at lunch or a casual setting.

Practice

You can make all the lists you want, but there's no substitute for rehearsing how you'll handle an interview. Ask your parent, sibling or friend to be the interviewer, and give him or her a list of questions to throw at you, especially the hard ones (see some examples below). You will benefit and gain confidence from having thought about the answers, and you may be able to apply them to questions that you didn't anticipate.

If you get a question you can't answer, simply say you don't know. Then say the question is something to which you would like to give more thought and that you are willing to learn what it takes. An employer will respect someone who is honest and open about his or her limitations.

Here are some sample interview questions:

What were your responsibilities at your last job (or at school, if this is your first job)?

What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?

Which was most/least rewarding?

What was the biggest accomplishment/failure in this position?

What was it like working for your supervisor? What were his or her strengths and shortcomings?

Why are you leaving your job?

What have you been doing since your last job?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Why should we hire you?

Why do you want to work here?

What motivates you?

How do you prioritize tasks?

Do you prefer to work by yourself or within a group?

Describe your ideal job.

Describe your ideal work environment.

Discuss a situation where you had to resolve a conflict.

Discuss a situation where you had to demonstrate teamwork/leadership skills.

Describe a situation where you failed.

Describe a situation where you set a goal and met it.

In addition, be aware of your body language. If you can record yourself on video, use it for practice. Otherwise a mirror will do, or get feedback from your parent, sibling or friend.

Hand and arm movements shouldn't be too large. Don't fiddle, shake your leg or tap your fingers. This is unprofessional and may distract your potential employer. Your posture should be relaxed, but alert. Don't slouch; if you look bored the interviewer will assume you'd be bored in the job, too.

Communicate interest and energy. Be yourself. Your potential employer knows you're nervous, but try not to make it so obvious that it becomes a distraction.

Dress the Part

Looking professional means looking respectable. Check the company's website for pictures of the employees to give you an idea of the overall dress code. While a suit is nearly always appropriate in a corporate setting, sometimes it does not make sense for the organization. Whatever you choose to wear, it should be clean, ironed, coordinated and appropriate. Skirts should not be above the knee, shirts should not be cut too low and jewelry should be moderate. Shirts should also cover the entire shoulder-no tank tops. Even employers who don't ask that their employees dress up will appreciate that you've chosen to put your best foot forward.

As for footwear, sneakers and flip-flops should stay at home. Wearing open-toed shoes may be fashionable, but they're not appropriate before you get the job. Depending on what you've learned about the company dress code, it might be a good idea to remove piercings (aside from small, traditional earrings) and make sure any tattoos are concealed under your clothing.

Personal grooming is part of your "dress" too. Be sure to freshen up before your interview, but don't overwhelm your potential employer with your favorite perfume or cologne. Take extra time to feel confident about your appearance and it will be one less thing that stands between you and your dream job.

On some occasions, an employer will call you back for a second interview. Think positively and plan ahead-make sure you have a few professional outfits.

Arrive Early

It may seem obvious, but if you're not on time for your interview, the game is over. Getting there early makes a good impression on the interviewer and allows you to take a few deep breaths, organize your notes, refresh your memory on any points that you've found difficult in your practices and scan any company materials that may be available in the waiting room. It also allows you to use the restroom if needed, freshen your breath and make any last-minute appearance adjustments.

Whatever your mode of transportation, make sure you have directions to your target organization, along with a backup route, in case of unexpected obstacles like traffic or a subway delay. Also, have the telephone number of someone to notify in case you're running late.

If you can, perform a dry run a few days before your interview: Travel to your target organization and be sure you know how to get there-to the door-without getting lost. Planning ahead means you'll feel better about yourself, and you'll be more relaxed in the interview.

Make a Good First Impression

Potential employers are looking for someone who is confident, assertive and friendly, and they will be taking this opportunity to see if you're a good fit. You'll want to follow these quick tips whenever you meet anyone at your target organization, particularly the person who'll be interviewing you:

Look the person in the eye as you offer your right hand for a handshake.

Shake his or her hand firmly, but easily; try to have the web of your hand touch his or hers.

Smile at the same time, and say something enthusiastic, such as "Hello, Mr. Byrnes. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

As you walk to his or her office, make some small talk-weather, how great the lobby looks. Avoid politics or off-color humor (racial, ethnic or religious jokes). Small talk will establish a positive rapport, and the rest of the interview will feel more natural and less like you're being grilled.

Be courteous to everyone you meet; you never know who will put in a good word for you after you've left the office.

Answer Honestly and Well

Don't ramble. Concise answers with strong points are better than disorganized babble. Respect the fact that your interviewer is taking time out of his or her busy day to meet with you.

Look the interviewer in the eye when you're answering.

Gather your thoughts. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts in order to answer a specific question, feel free to say, "I need to think about that for a moment" or "That's a great question."

You're going to be asked some questions, and there are some tricks to answering them well.

The interviewer will respect your honesty and your desire to offer a thoughtful answer. If a question is particularly difficult, try to remember how you approached similar questions while practicing. If you blank out, be honest, but definitely put a positive spin on your answer. A little humor, in moderation, never hurts either.

Be Yourself

In the interview, let your true personality shine through. Trained interviewers spot actors quickly, and they are unlikely to hire anyone they feel they can't trust.

Be proud of the unique collection of talents, motivations and skills that make you the individual you are. Believe in your ability to learn, grow, develop. Show "the real you" and you'll be well on your way to getting hired.

Ask Questions

Usually at the end of an interview, you'll be asked if you have any questions. If you don't ask something, it can be taken as a sign of lack of preparation or interest. So prepare some questions before the interview, and take notes during the interview to keep track of questions you might want to ask.

There are two areas you should inquire about-the organization and the job itself. Are you clear on the responsibilities of the job? If not, ask for clarification. Do you see where the job fits into the structure of the organization? What is the working environment like? Is there a path for advancement?

If all else fails and you can't think of what to ask, check your notes and ask your interviewer for clarification or further detail about something he or she has already brought up. It will show that you were paying attention and were interested in what he or she had to tell you. If it seems appropriate, ask your interviewer what his or her favorite thing or least favorite thing about working at this company is-you may learn about something you wouldn't have otherwise known.

Be sure you know what the next steps are after the interview. Are they going to contact you? When do they think they will do that? Would they prefer that you follow up with them? How is the best way to do that?

The end of the interview is also a good time to emphasize how interested you are in taking the process to the next step and why you think you're the perfect candidate for the job. You can reinforce this sentiment by asking your interviewer for his or her business card so that you can be in touch with him or her.

But don't beg for the job; let your positive attitude and enthusiasm speak for you. Upon leaving, make sure to shake the person's hand again and make sincere eye contact. And, of course, don't forget to thank him or her.

Follow Up

Your interview isn't over when you walk out the door. As soon as you get home, write a short thank-you note to your interviewer. Tell him or her that you appreciated the time he or she spent with you and the chance to learn more about the job and the organization. Traditionally, a thank-you note refers to a neatly handwritten card mailed to the organization's address, but it is equally acceptable (and expected) to send a thank-you email to your interviewer. If you promised to send something additional-writing samples or another copy of your résumé, for example-make sure to enclose it. Keep your note short and restate your understanding of the next step.

Be sure to follow through. If you say in your note that you'll give them a follow-up call on Tuesday, be sure to do so. If you'd like to add something you forgot to say in the interview, this is the time and place. If you did not obtain your interviewer's business card before you left, find another way to be sure that you spell his or her name(s) correctly. If it can't be found on the company website or LinkedIn, call the receptionist to have him or her spell it for you. Unless told otherwise, keep in contact with the human resources representative after your interview and consider sending him or her a thank-you note as well.

You'd be surprised how many candidates never offer this simple courtesy. Send a thank-you note and you'll stand out in the crowd.

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Job Interview Tips | My Future | Preparing for your Interview

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After you've built your résumé, written a great cover letter and scheduled the interview, it's time to meet the interviewer and get the position you've applied for. This guide can help you prepare for your important interview day. Companies like candidates who know what they want from a job.

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Top 10 Job Interview Questions and Best Answers

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Top 10 Job Interview Questions and Best Answers

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Compared to the other articles, this one is a bit different. It actually provides questions that might get asked and the best way to answer them. It talks about ways to answer the questions without being too personal and just talking about yourself. The way its being laid out is very helpful to read. It provides the question that is numbered with two separate explanations underneath. Under some of the questions there are special "tips" that can be helpful as well. Included in this very article, there are links to some other helpful articles that go with each question. It only focuses on that topic as well. It was very interesting skimming through those. Reading those individual articles actually made it easier to understand the questions.

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Top 10 Job Interview Questions and Best Answers

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The top 10 interview questions employers ask, examples of the best answers, more common job interview questions, and tips for giving the best response.

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Interview Tips: 10 Tips to Improve Interview Performance

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Interview Tips: 10 Tips to Improve Interview Performance

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Talking about being professional and appropriate is very important while being interviewed. You don't want to be talking about yourself the whole time, which is rude and can cause you to lose your position. If your interviewee asks about hobbies you're into you can quickly speak about those and move on. Other than speaking on being professional, there are other points made that can help you prepare. After reading this article, you will have a good idea of what to do!

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7 Interview Tips That Will Help Get You Hired

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7 Interview Tips That Will Help Get You Hired

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The creator of this article practically states that each interview is different. You don't have to spend an eternity studying and preparing for each one. Mostly have to focus on the little things, such as, being punctual, developing a connection with your interviewee, etc. While reading this I never thought about what to do after an interview. Apparently, sending a thank-you note to your interviewee is very polite and thoughtful. It helps Hiring managers know you are willing to go the extra step.

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Even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count, job interviewing remains hard.

With each job interview, you are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. And, you need to stay upbeat and enthusiastic through it all. This can be a challenge, especially when you're interviewing for a job you would love to get hired for.

That said, there are ways to make a job interview feel much less stressful.

Just a little preparation time can go a long way. The more time you take in advance to get ready, the more comfortable you'll feel during the actual interview. Remember, though, that a job interview is not an exam: you don't need to study for hours on end. Instead, prioritize researching the company. That way, you'll understand exactly what they are looking for in a new hire, and be ready to discuss your experience and what makes you a great fit for the job.

Note

Keys to Effective Interviewing

Ultimately, these are the keys to effective interviewing:

Project confidence

Stay positive

Be able to share examples of your workplace skills and your qualifications for the job

Take the time to work on your interview skills so that you can develop effective strategies to use in all of your interviews. With some advance preparation, you'll be able to nail the interview and showcase the experience that makes you the ideal candidate for the company's next new employee.

Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired

Here are some job interview tips that can help you interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and position you for a positive and successful interviewing experience.

Practice and Prepare

Review the typical job interview questions employers ask and practice your answers. Strong answers are specific but concise, drawing on concrete examples that highlight your skills and back up your resume.

Your answers should also emphasize the skills that are most important to the employer and relevant to the position. Be sure to review the job listing, make a list of the requirements, and match them to your experience.

Note

While it's important to familiarize yourself with the best answers, it's equally important to listen carefully during your interview. That way, your response will provide the interviewer with the information they are looking for.

Also, have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready. In almost every interview, you'll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. It is important to have at least one or two questions prepared in order to demonstrate your interest in the organization. Otherwise, you might come across as apathetic, which is a major turnoff for hiring managers.

Research the Company, and Show What You Know

Do your homework and research the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the interview question, " What do you know about this company?" If this question is not asked, you should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.

You can do this by tying what you've learned about the company into your responses. For example, you might say: "I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well-versed in the latest technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in its industry."

You should be able to find out a lot of information about the company's history, mission, values, staff, culture, and recent successes on its website. If the company has a blog and a social media presence, they can be useful places to look, too.

Note

Develop a Connection With the Interviewer

In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection with your interviewer. Know the interviewer's name, and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very carefully during introductions.

Note

Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewer can up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like and who seem to be a good fit for the company's culture. Here's how to get the hiring manager on your side.

Get Ready Ahead of Time

Don't wait until the last minute to pick out an interview outfit, print extra copies of your resume, or find a notepad and pen. Have one good interview outfit ready, so you can interview on short notice without having to worry about what to wear.

Note

Not only will planning out everything (from what shoes you will wear, to how you'll style your hair, to what time you will leave and how you'll get there) buy you time in the morning, but it can also help reduce job search anxiety, and save you from having to make decisions, which means you can use that brainpower for your interview.

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy, and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with extra copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note-taking.

If you're interviewing virtually, have all the technology set and ready in advance. Do a trial run to be sure everything is working properly, and you're comfortable with it.

Be on Time (That Means Early)

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Take into account the time of your interview so you can adjust for local traffic patterns at that time. Give yourself a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your outfit, and calm your nerves.

Try to Stay Calm

During the job interview, try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Remember that your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper preparation will allow you to exude confidence:

As you answer questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Be sure to pay attention to the question so that you don't forget it, and listen to the entire question (using active listening) before you answer, so you know exactly what the interviewer is asking.

Avoid cutting off the interviewer at all costs, especially when he or she is asking questions.

If you need to take a moment to think about your answer, that's totally fine, and is a better option than starting out with multiple "ums" or "uhs."

Check out these tips on avoiding job interview stress to help keep your nerves calm. If the thought of a job interview puts you in panic mode, reviewing these interview tips for introverts will be a great place to start.

Follow Up After the Interview

Always follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.

Note

It's worth the extra effort. A Robert Half survey reports that 80% of hiring managers said it was helpful or somewhat helpful to receive a thank-you note after an interview.

Avoid These Common Interview Mistakes

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate looking for employment can make.

Take the time to review these mistakes before your interview, so you don't have to stress out about blunders after it.

Successfully Handle Any Type of Interview

Review tips on how to handle interviews that are different from a typical one-on-one meeting. These include tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success.

Also review these signs that your job interview went well, so you can see what skills you may need to brush up for next time.

Key Takeaways

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Job Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired

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The best job interview tips and advice to help ensure interview success, including how to practice, how to get ready, and what to wear to an interview.

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Indeed the website that is created for helping individuals find jobs provides ways to prepare for an interview the right way. This article doesn't give a few tips, it provides 21 of them. This also includes diagrams and videos which are very helpful. I thought those were very interesting and helped process the whole article thoroughly.

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10 of the most common tips that can help you in an interview. These tips can improve your self-confidence and prepare you for a lot of questions. Two things really stood out that I haven't read any other article before. Definitely an article to check out and read again!

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Top 10 interview tips to win in your job interview. Find out how to prepare for success and be ready to impress in your interview. Best job interview tips and techniques.

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Top 10 Best Interview Tips For Job Seekers

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Top 10 Best Interview Tips For Job Seekers

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The author of this article, Randall Hansen is a Career Advice Expert. He provides a good amount of details and tips. He states when preparing for an interview, you want to be prepared as much as possible. Wanting to know what type of questions that might be asked is also nerve-wrecking. Looking up the company and researching the position closely can help. In an interview questions are always welcomed, so before going in, you should make a list of the questions you might have. The interviewee will be glad to answer them.

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When you have successfully mastered the dual arts of how to make a resume and how make a cover letter, and you begin receiving requests for interviews, it's time to understand how to succeed in the job interview so that you are ever closer to your goal of obtaining one or more job offers. This article focuses on the ten most important job interviewing tips for jobseekers.

1. Conduct Research on the Employer, Hiring Manager, and Job Opportunity

Success in a job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge on the jobseeker's part. You should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person (or people) interviewing you. The more research you conduct, the more you'll understand the employer, and the better you'll be able to answer interview questions (as well as ask insightful questions" see #8). Scour the organization's website and other published materials, search engines, research tools, and ask questions about the company in your network of contacts.

2. Review Common Interview Questions and Prepare Your Responses

Another key to interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. First, ask the hiring manager as to the type of interview to expect. Will it be one-on-one or in a group? Will it be with one person, or will you meet several members of the organization? Your goal is to try to determine what you'll be asked and to compose detailed yet concise responses that focus on specific examples and accomplishments.

A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them into a story form that you can tell in the interview. No need to memorize responses (in fact, it's best not to), but do develop talking points. There are excellent tools available to help you with interview questions and responses. Also, consider using the STAR Interviewing Technique.

3. Dress for Success

Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it's always better to be overdressed than under" and to wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum. Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview" and if possible, brush your teeth or use mouthwash.

4. Arrive on Time, Relaxed and Prepared for the Interview

There is no excuse ever for arriving late to an interview. Short of a disaster, strive to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to get settled. Arriving a bit early is also a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace.

The day before the interview, pack up extra copies of your resume or CV and reference list. If you have a portfolio or samples of your work, bring those along too. Finally, remember to pack several pens and a pad of paper to jot notes. Finally, as you get to the offices, shut off your cell phone. (And if you were chewing gum, get rid of it.)

5. Make Good First Impressions

A cardinal rule of interviewing is to be polite and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet" from the parking attendant to the receptionist to the hiring manager. Employers often are curious how job applicants treat staff members" and your job offer could easily be derailed if you're rude or arrogant to any of the staff. When it's time for the interview, keep in mind that first impressions" the impression interviewers get in the first few seconds of meeting you" can make or break an interview.

Make a strong first impression by dressing well (see #3), arriving early (see #4), and when greeting your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm" but not bone-crushing" handshake.

Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer are vital in the initial stages of the interview; studies show that hiring managers make critical decisions about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.

6. Be Authentic, Upbeat, Focused, Confident, Candid, and Concise

Once the interview starts, the key to success is the quality and delivery of your responses. Your goal should always be authenticity, responding truthfully to interview questions. At the same time, your goal is to get to the next step, so you'll want to provide focused responses that showcase your skills, experience, and fit" with the job and the employer. Provide solid examples of solutions and accomplishments" but keep your responses short and to the point.

By preparing responses to common interview questions (see #2), you'll ideally avoid long, rambling responses that bore interviewers. Always attempt to keep your interview responses short and to the point. Finally, no matter how much an interviewer might bait you, never badmouth a previous employer, boss, or co-worker. The interview is about you" and making your case that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

7. Remember the Importance of Body Language

While the content of your interview responses is paramount, poor body language can be a distraction at best" or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective forms of body language include smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, and nodding. Detrimental forms of body language include slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair, brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum, or mumbling.

8. Ask Insightful Questions

Studies continually show that employers make a judgment about an applicant's interest in the job by whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Thus, even if the hiring manager was thorough in his or her discussions about the job opening and what is expected, you must ask a few questions. This shows that you have done your research and that you are curious. The smart jobseeker prepares questions to ask days before the interview, adding any additional queries that might arise from the interview.

9. Sell Yourself and then Close the Deal

The most qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired; the winning candidate is often the jobseeker who does the best job responding to interview questions and showcasing his or her fit with the job, department, and organization. Some liken the job interview to a sales call. You are the salesperson" and the product you are selling to the employer is your ability to fill the organization's needs, solve its problems, propel its success.

Finally, as the interview winds down, ask about the next steps in the process and the timetable in which the employer expects to use to make a decision about the position.

10. Thank Interviewer(s) in Person, by Email, or Postal Mail

Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing; thus, the importance of thanking each person who interviews you should come as no surprise. Start the process while at the interview, thanking each person who interviewed you before you leave. Writing thank-you emails or notes shortly after the interview will not get you the job offer, but doing so will certainly give you an edge over any of the other finalists who didn't bother to send thank-you notes.

Final Thoughts on Job Interview Success

Succeeding in job interviews takes research, practice, and persistence. The more effort you put into your interview preparation, the more success you'll see in obtaining job offers" especially if you remember and follow these ten job interviewing tips.

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10 Best Job Interview Tips for Job-Seekers | LiveCareer

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When you have successfully mastered the dual arts of how to make a resume and how make a cover letter, and you begin receiving requests for interviews, it's time to understand how to succeed in the job interview so that you are ever closer to your goal of obtaining one or more job offers.