StormStaff

Currently, the U.S. unemployment rate is at 9.5% and thousands of job seekers are in search for jobs.  Even if you currently have a job, you may be thinking that now might be the time to start looking again.  I have been interviewing candidates for the past two years for my company and have seen job applicants do the right things and the wrong things.  Here is my best advice on how to ace your next interview:

1. Prepare: Be early, know exactly how to get to the interview and make sure you allow enough time for traffic.  Arrive calm, relaxed and don’t forget to eat beforehand!  My first interview lasted 4 hours because I had to interview with 5 different groups of people.  I had no idea it would take that long and I was famished at the end!
2. Be Confident: Walk into the interview like you will get the job.  Imagine a scale of a 1-10 and walk in feeling like an 8-10. Show enthusiasm and interest about the job and let them know that you want it.  It is a red flag to the interviewer if you don’t seem interested.
3. Ask: Always come prepared with a few questions to ask at the end of an interview.
4. Practice: Do a google search for sample interview questions and prepare answers for all of the questions.  In one of my classes in college, we had to stand up in front of the class and the Professor randomly picked from the list of sample interview questions.  We had to respond to each of the questions in front of the class.  It is amazing how I can now quickly come up with an example for most questions just because I prepared the answers.  You may not get these exact questions but I guarantee that you will be prepared for any question.  Also, before going to the interview, review the job description and know how your experiences match each qualification. Be prepared to give examples!
5. Have a conversation: Know that not everyone who interviews you will be testing your knowledge and skills.  Some people interview employees for the sole purpose of seeing if the person is a team player and if they can see themselves working with the person in the future.  This is why it is important to think of it as having a conversation.  Also, don’t assume that the person with the highest role will be making the decision. Input from everyone may be taken into consideration as to who will get the job.
6. Relax: Ever had to do a panel interview?  Don’t let them intimidate you!  In my industry, we have a lot of stress and pressure placed on us by the client so a panel interview helps us see how the person will be able to communicate to the client under pressure.  If you think panel interviews are terrible, just think about how much faster you will get out of the interview by doing it as a group rather than an interview with each person answering the same questions over and over!
7. Thank: Ask for business cards at the end so that you can send a thank you email.  I am shocked by how few people actually follow through with this because it is so important.

Good luck to you on your next interview!   You will nail it!  What is your best interview advice?

About the author: Classy Career Girl is a consultant at by day and a MBA student by night.  She blogs about her journey through business school while working full time and loves researching and writing about career advice, work-life balance and stress management.  You can read more about journey on her website www.classycareergirl.com