How to Rock Your Interview

You've spent the past 4 years preparing for you dream job. You've made it through the rough chemistry exams, all nighters and late night partying. Now you are in the real world and ready for your interview. You have some tough competition ahead of you; the current job market isn't as promising as it seemed in college. You're probably thinking "How am I going to make myself stand out against 100 applicants?" That may be a tad over played but it's still a nerving thought. Don't sweat it, I have some great pointers on how you can rock your interview!

As I was looking online for help with interviews, I noticed there are a lot of websites designed to do just that. Interviews play a huge part in getting a job, so it's something you want to do right. I came across this website called jobopenings.net; it had information similar to the text book, but they also had some other great pointers. Interview questions are always difficult, it is always a good idea to practice your answers to some questions before you go in. Jobopenings.net had some great sample questions to think about such as; "Where do you expect to be in your career in 10 years?" Do not explain that this job will be your stepping stone in your career. They know that 75% of the people they hire are going to be elsewhere in 10 years. They just want to hear that you are dedicated to your career and want to learn as much as you can. And to be honest no one knows where they will be in 10 years. They also had another great question to think about "Why did you leave your last job?" This is definitely not an opening to bash your previous employer. No matter how much you hated the job, or if you were in the wrong, here and now is not the time or place to air any dirty laundry. Simply say that there was no room for advancement in your former company, or you want to reduce your travel time to work, or you need a new job challenge; all of which are acceptable answers.

Jobopenings.net also gives some great tips on what to do during an interview. They give similar tips that the text book does as well but, they also give more great tips. They tell you to;

1. Not be embarrassed by your nervousness. It's a good thing to be nervous, that means you actually care about the job and the outcome of the interview. Just be sure not to show your nervousness in any annoying habits such as tapping your toes or clicking a pen.
2. Don't exaggerate or lie. Anything that you embellish upon will come back to haunt you sooner or later! You don't want that to ever happen.
3. Don't be afraid to think before you speak. sometimes you need to think or reflect upon something that you previously did and that's ok. The interviewer will respect you for taking the time to correctly tell a story and it shows you are taking the question seriously enough to think about how to answer it.
4. Watch your grammar and manners. Never use any slang that is not work related. Interviewers look for people who can express themselves properly and professionally.

Many people fret over what to wear to an interview. It may seem harsh but it's a fact we are judged by how we look. If you have awesome talent and are perfect for the job but, your suit is wrinkled and it looks like you haven't taken a shower; you may not get the job. As I was looking online I noticed many websites had the same advice that the text book did. All though I did find something useful on ehow.com; they suggest that we;
1. Call the receptionist or secretary at your prospective employers office to see what the employees wear.
2. Consider the location. If it is in the mall you can wear slacks or a sweater. If it is in a corporate office wear business attire; such as a suit or skirt suit.
3. Choose between pumps, loafers, and open toed shoes. If you are wearing a skirt panty hose are a must.
4. Avoid mini skirts, overalls, tight sweaters, and sandals with a strap.
5. Check your outfit for holes, stains, scuffs, or wrinkles.
6. Inspect your hair, nails, hems and, shine your shoes.
7. Tone down the use of hair spray, make up, perfume and, jewelry. One nose ring is one too many, it may cost you your job.
8. Carry a nice briefcase or portfolio. Leave the unorganized over sized bag at home.

So you're ready for your interview and look professional! You'll do great, but they threw you a curve ball, you have to do an over the phone interview. Don't freak, it's easy and similar to a face to face interview. According to jobinterviewquestions.org here are some things to remember.
1. Introduce yourself clearly and directly. Engage in small talk just like you would in a traditional interview.
2. Speak clearly into the receiver and modulate your voice. Your voice is the only way they interviewer can detect your enthusiasm for the job. Your voice can reveal your personality and attitude toward the caller. So make sure you are smiling it makes all the difference and you can tell on the phone.
3. Have your resume and the job advertisement with you for reference. Also have a pen and paper with you to take notes.
4. Dress as you would for a traditional interview, it helps you feel more prepared for the interview.
5. Eliminate any distractions
6. Prove that you are the person for the job, just like you would in a traditional interview.

So now you are fully ready for any interview that you have. Get out there and show the job market your talent! Good Luck!