For most people, especially those job seekers with very little interviewing success, there is nothing more nerve-racking than preparing for a job interview. That unexpected call from a potential employer sends many job seekers into anxiety and increases their stress levels.
As a Certified Employment Interview Coach, I always advise my clients to take an interview invitation as a compliment, as it shows that the employer considers them qualified for the job opening. An interview provides you with the chance to "close the deal" with an employer and to show that you are the right candidate for the job. There are common mistakes that job seekers make during and prior to an interview, however the following are things you can do to ensure that you align your key interview messages with the requirements of the role you are targeting.
✓ Research the industry and organization you are targeting.
✓ Evaluate the skills and experience that you bring to this role – focus on selling or aligning those skills to
the needs of the employer and be ready to support them with examples.
✓ Dress professionally to impress the employer – it is always best to be on the side of caution and give up
the trendy clothing for conservative business wear.
✓ Be on time – better yet, try to arrive early.
✓ Make eye contact – this is paramount, think about all the negative feedback Senator John McCain received from the
public for his inability to make eye contact with Senator Barack Obama during the recent US Presidential debate.
Eye contact is critical.
✓ Demonstrate enthusiasm for the job and the company – this shows your self-motivation and fit for the role.
✓ Always ask questions – most job seekers treat the interview as an opportunity for the employer to learn about
them, however it is also an opportunity for job seekers to learn about a potential employer. So engage the
interviewer, and get as much facts as you can about the company and the role so you can make an informed
decision if presented with a job offer.
✓ Demonstrate courtesy by saying "thank you" – remember to send a thank you note following an interview
