How to Handle a Job Interview

No matter how many times you have interviewed forbring a list of your references and extra copies of
a job, the next interview always causes someyour resume, and try to establish rapport with the
trepidation. Such an event is really a "sales pitch," theinterviewer, especially by making eye contact.
product is yourself, and you may almost feel as if you- As the interview progresses, make every effort to
are on trial as the interviewer "cross-examines" youremain calm, and ask for clarification, if and when you
about your suitability for the job.need it, in order to determine if you really want the job.
Preparation is the name of the game here, and the tipsAlso, do not respond so hastily to the interviewer's
that follow should help make interviewing a worthwhilequestions that your answers seem incomplete or not
experience for you.well thought out.
- Remember to do your homework. Gathering- At the end, reaffirm your interest in the job, thank the
information about a potential employer is essential ininterviewer for seeing you, and follow up later with a
preparing for a successful job interview. Find out allpersonal note to restate both sentiments.
that you can about the company's image, history, andBe ready for some behavioral interviewing
plans for the future in order to make the experienceThis method of interviewing is based on the idea that
more effective and interactive. Visit the organization'sthe best indicator of job candidates' future
website on the Internet, and do some other researchperformance is what they have done in the past, and it
online as well.has now become quite common. If you ever find
- Rehearse for your interview as if it were a dressyourself in this situation, you must be prepared to give
rehearsal. Prepare relevant questions, practice with adetailed responses, including specific examples taken
family member or friend, and videotape or record thefrom your on-the-job experience.
session. When you replay the mock interview, you canAs you compile sample questions and responses in
evaluate your performance and fine-tune yourorder to prepare, take the time to list your values, skills,
responses so that the real thing will be truly effective.and interests, along with your strengths and
- Be on time for your appointment and dressweaknesses.
appropriately. Arrive 10 or 15 minutes ahead of time,