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"A stellar resume and well-scripted cover letter may move your application to the top of the pile, but it's how you conduct yourself in the interview that will ultimately lead to a job offer," said Edward T. Reilly, president and CEO of American Management Association. "Knowing how to successfully present yourself to a potential employer is essential in landing a new job," Reilly said. He offers the following advice:
Research your prospective employer. Interviewers will ask questions related to their company, such as, "Why would you want to work for us?" They may ask a candidate about his or her opinion of the company's products, promotions or history. Such knowledge is readily available on the Web, and taking the time to access it shows the interviewer that you are thorough and genuinely interested in the position.
Talk about your strengths. Answer the standard question about your strengths in light of the job for which you are applying. Demonstrate how your proven capabilities directly relate to the specific responsibilities of the job.
Be prepared to talk about your shortcomings. The interviewer may ask about your weaknesses and failures. Consider what you plan to say and, ideally, put on the best "spin" as you can. Don't say you have no weaknesses-everyone has room for improvement.
Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for the unexpected, such as a group interview, a writing test, a lunch with others or a request for your evaluation of some aspect of the company, like the Website. Advance planning can help you prepare for anything.
Greet the interviewer with a smile. Eye contact should be straightforward, friendly and assured. People perceive those who can look them in the eye as trustworthy. By averting your head, you transmit a shifty, insincere image.
Better to be formal than casual. Don't address the interviewer by his or her first name. It always should be "Mr." or "Ms." This shows deference and respect-not submissiveness.
Listen carefully. Too often candidates are so focused on thinking about what they want to say-how they want to present themselves to the interviewer-that they don't answer the question being asked.
Highlight your accomplishments. Your track record is one of the key factors people will consider. Use specific success stories, but be succinct-don't go into so much detail that you lose the interviewer's attention.
Watch your language. Be careful not to use phrases or tone or intimation that are inappropriate for the job. On the other hand, it may be advantageous to use industry-specific language that demonstrates your knowledge of the business.
Consider your nonverbal communications. A firm handshake tells the interviewer you are confident about your abilities. Likewise, good posture demonstrates self-confidence. Don't fidget. It's ok to gesture to emphasize a point, but otherwise keep your hands still. Lean toward the interviewer to demonstrate that you are listening.
Stay on your toes. A skillful interviewer will usually put you at ease, while creating an environment in which you feel like being expansive. But don't get too relaxed. Remember, the interviewer is looking to get insight into you, so remain professional.
Ask for the job. If you want the job don't beat around the bush-ask for it. It shows confidence in your ability and reaffirms your interest in the position. Interviewers will appreciate knowing how you feel.
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