In this economy, the unemployment rate is up and jobs are hard to come by. Every available job will have competition and being prepared for you interview will help you ace the interview and land that job.
Focus on Appearance
First impressions go a long way and how you look will be a factor in the decision process. Your outfit should be something appropriate to the job you are applying for. Be sure your outfit is flattering but conservative. Take a shower, get a haircut, clean your fingernails, shave. You want to put your best foot forward. If you look sloppy and not put together, it will be assumed your work will be the same way.
Spice up Resume
Every resume could use some tailoring up when looking for a new job. An interviewer will do a quick scan of these and will read the ones that catch their attention. Change your resume around some so that it is specific to the position being applied for. Your employment history needs to be on the resume, but also list some details about what you did in that job. List your accomplishments and list any additional training or skills that may be pertinent to the position.
Body Language
Body language is the unspoken language. This goes along with how you present yourself. Go into an interview being confident and with your head held high. Be sure not to slouch, have good posture and have a good, firm handshake. Make eye contact with the interviewer and be enthusiastic about the interview.
Research
Go into the interview knowing about the company you want to work for. Most companies have a website with tons of information. Spend some time gaining as much information as you can. Know what their business plan is, who their customer base is and know how they operate. Use this information in the interview to show the interviewer that you are serious about the position.
Ask Questions
During the interview you will be asked a lot of questions. Ask some questions of the interviewer. Try to keep the questions relevant to the interview, but if the conversation does sway off topic a bit, you can ask questions about that as well. Asking questions will show that interviewer that you are willing to learn and eager to do so.
Have Answers Prepared
In just about every interview there will be basic questions that will come up. These questions have to do with your future goals, where you see yourself in five years, how you can benefit the company and why you should be hired. Preparing answers for these questions before hand will allow you to answer these on the spot with confidence.
Be Yourself
In an interview you are trying to sell yourself and that you are the best for the position. Be yourself and act as you would normally act. Trying to be what you think they are looking for will only make you look foolish and will lower your chances of being hired. Be who you are, be confident, go in with an open mind and you will do great.
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