You’re Hired! How to Ace an Interview

August 28, 2009 | Category: Career

A woman interviewing another individual The interview process can be daunting. You’re sitting in a room with complete strangers while they ask you to talk about your professional experience and character. They watch your movements and gestures. They write down unknown statements on their yellow notepads with their ballpoint pens. They shake your hand at the end and say, ‘We’ll be in touch”.

You are not alone if this scenario sounds scary. Interview stress is quite normal. The good news is that knowing how to prepare for the interview can leave you feeling more confident and self-assured.
There are several things you can do to prepare for your interview. Some suggestions from experts include:

Learn all you can about the organization. Interviewers love when you know what their organization is all about. You don’t want to end up speechless if you’re asked “What is your favorite part about our organization?” Doing your homework is important.
Think about the questions you might be asked and consider how you will respond. Check out these sample interview questions and have a friend or relative mock interview you as you practice your answers.
Prepare your clothes and make sure they are clean, pressed, and appropriate. If you would wear an outfit for a night on the town, it’s probably not interview appropriate. Ladies: do not wear open-toed shoes, sleeveless shirts, or flashy accessories. Gentlemen: many employers will prefer that you are clean shaven.
If you have a facial piercing, take it out.
Check your hygiene.
Absolutely no gum chewing.
Bring a copy of you resume or application, references, and a pad to take notes.

Monster offers information about interview questions, preparation, dress, and follow up. The US Dept of Labor also has information about different types of interviews and how to prepare.

Remember to plan how you will get to your interview before the day arrives. You may even want to take a trial run, especially if it is in a part of town that is unfamiliar to you. On the day of your interview, try to arrive about 10 – 15 minutes early. Once there, treat everyone you meet courteously and act like the professional that you are. After the interview, remember to send a thank you note – keep it short but remember to reiterate your interest in the job and refresh their memory of why you would make such a good addition to the organization.

Good luck!

7 comments
Leave a comment »

Cliff Steele September 23, 2009 2:34 pm
I always go in with a good positive attitude for interviews, have serveral resumes out and still no work. Just starting to feel like no one wants to hire me cause of my age. Not sure what to do just know can not keep living like this, no more pain of not working and bills can not pay.

[Reply]
Jay Barnes Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I have been unemployed for over a year. I think it is my age also. However, I continue to shoot those resumes out. I have loads of experience…but in my area…there is not much hiring. I do not plan to relocate…if I could. Try to keep a positive out look. Things will turn around.

[Reply]
Deborah Edmonds September 24, 2009 9:57 am
If you feel age is a factor, ask the advice of some friends (not at the same time). Ask them to be honest. Are you fashionably dressed? Is there anything you need to change about your hair to make it stylish? Then ask them to do some mock interviews with you. Make sure your interview answers are not reflecting any type of age or health issue. Get them to critique your interview and resume. Maybe you need to update your resume so it doesn’t “age” you. According to Randy Block, a career transition coach and consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area , that today many employers are looking for people who can hit the ground running and survive the next few months. “Long-term” and strategic” phrases are not going to be as effective as they were even a year ago. Focus on selling yourself as an “expert who can get in and fix the problems of today quickly and efficiently. Focus on clear, results-oriented achievements for short-range problems.”
Volunteer at a local non profit that does work in an area that interest you. This will not only get you networking but will also give you a feeling of accomplishment. If you are 55 and older contact your local One-Stop Career Center through the Toll-Free Help Line at 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for the local SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) in your community. They can provide paid training for you while they help you develop your skills toward employment. I would also suggest that you visit your physician to make sure you are not suffering from depression. If you can’t afford a physician, visit one of the free clinics today in your area. The economy has certainly made finding employment harder for everyone, and it can be discouraging. Contact other people that are seeking employment and start a support group, a job club, so that you can share ideas and help each other find that job!

[Reply]
Marie Chilton January 7, 2010 7:07 pm
I dress appropriately for interviews and I feel confident when I go in but once the interview is over I feel shot down. The last few interviews I’ve had they ask me the same questions and I feel that my honest answer is what blows my chances. I’m usually asked about my education and when I tell them that I have my A.S. degree and that I’m currently working on a B.S. then I’m asked how long I plan on staying with the company and I respond with as long as possible or four or more years. Unfortunately I don’t get interviews often and the few that I do get often result with the same outcome with the same questions. How do I know how to properly respond to this?

[Reply]
V Johnson Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Companies are interested in someone who conveys the attitude, “Hooray for your company, I’m so-o-o-o into your company! Soooo pro-company!” Not, “four or more years”. This is an area where “vague” pays off. Do your research on the company and act like you’re excited to have the opportunity to contribute to this company! (even if it’s not your first choice, and you just simply need a job, any job.)

[Reply]
kat February 4, 2010 2:13 am
Im very nervous about interviews i really dont know what to say exactly. ill practice and practice but it seems no use. ive gotten 2 interviews and ive been shot down. like i dress appropriately nothing flashy or revealing.

[Reply]
Treew March 11, 2010 8:23 pm
One of the best techniques I have for learning about how an interview went is to simply ask. If I bombed, I usually know why but if I am stumped, I just ask what I could have done better. Interviewers have been through the process themselves and most will respond to this very positively. The bottom line though is to keep on going to interviews and try to learn something from every experience….Good luck!

[Reply]

NOTE: If you're looking for a job, please do not post a comment.
Instead, please visit our Career Resources to learn more about our job placement services or our Find a Job page to find openings within the Goodwill network.