Seriously Impress at Your Interview With These 7 Hot Tips

So you've managed to secure a job interview for a position that fits you PERFECTLY. Now comes the moment of truth: Are you REALLY ready for the interview? If you've rehearsed what you're going to say and know the perfect answer to every potential question, you're half way there. There's just one important thing you've forgotten:

Yourself.

How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire you TODAY and not even THINK about other applicants. You know you're the right person for the job, so how do you make THEM see that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make yourself shine during the interview process.

1. First, find out everything you can about the company you'd be working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission statement? How does the job you'd be performing relate to the company's goals? Finding out this type of information gives you great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and shows them that you've done your research and already have some background in the company's business and objectives.

2. Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your own strengths and see how you can tie the two together. If you have previous experience, make note of those times where you helped achieve a specific result. Employers give more serious consideration to applicants who have a background and a track record in their industry than those who do not.

3. First impressions count. It should go without saying that you should arrive 15 minutes prior to the interview, dress appropriately (if not above) the position you're applying for, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic, personable and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people you meet and the work you'd be doing. Interviewers can tell if you're desperate!

4. Show that you can solve problems and work well under pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills. If you can identify a particular problem in your industry or that you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer some ideas of how you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed and confident. Some nervousness is expected, but your overall mannerisms (such as fidgeting, nail-biting, slumping in your chair) will be an instant giveaway on how well you REALLY work under stress. Likewise, if you project confidence and security in how you carry yourself, the interviewer will definitely notice.

5. If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions (and you should ALWAYS have a couple of questions ready), consider asking why this position is open. What's the company's track record and turnover rate? Are they performing well and keeping employees on board? Remember, you're not just selling yourself on how you'd be a great fit for this company, but finding out how this company could also be a great fit for you.

6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, "Why would you like to know?" Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you personal questions, including references to your race, gender, sexual preference, marriage status and child care situations. Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the job, not your home and family life.

7. After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight your qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or conversations you had with the interviewer to help them remember that polished, professional, enthusiastic candidate (you). Close the note by letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the position and your confidence in doing it well.

If you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you'll not only have seriously impressed your potential employer, but you'll come away from it feeling like a winner too! Good luck!

Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes and Career Information Resources who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

---

Working From Home - Could You Cope?

It is a well-known fact that more and more people... Read More

Job Search Tip for College Students

Today everyone is looking for that special job that will... Read More

Six Factors That Can Cost You the Interview/Job

Most job seekers know that an unprofessional appearance will count... Read More

Ten Tips to a Powerful Resume

A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts... Read More

Six of the Best for a Winning Resume

1. Be CompleteMake sure that your resume includes EVERYTHING your... Read More

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone in the Job Search

Most everyone these days knows what a comfort zone is.... Read More

How To Resign Gracefully

Once a new job has been accepted, you need to... Read More

Learning a Foreign Language

Many people love learning languages or would like to learn... Read More

My Landscaping Business is Better Than Your Lanscaping Business...

Yesterday I was having a discussion with Mary who I... Read More

Career Advice On Freelance Writing Jobs

Sometimes the freelance writing jobs available are those that no... Read More

Defining Success Your Way!

In my career advising practice, I often find that my... Read More

Find Passion for Your Work

Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their... Read More

Your Resume is Just One of the Tools in Your Job Search

A resume is a tool. It allows employers to see... Read More

Become A Personal Trainer

Every human body is different and a personal trainer will... Read More

How To Write A Resume Cover Letter That Will Get Your Resume Read

A Resume Cover Letter has only one purpose - to... Read More

Using Your Whine Factor

Brian's work was exceptional. Still, as his boss,... Read More

How To Create A Winning Impression In Your New Job

Congratulations! You've just been appointed to your new job. Now... Read More

American Idol Syndrome

I like Simon, one of three judges on... Read More

Are You Making These Common Job Interview Mistakes?

Going to an interview without a plan of action is... Read More

Dress For Success

You have heard the phrase, "Dress for Success." This is... Read More

Tips on Finding Employment as a Corporate Flight Attendant

I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic... Read More

Moving Without A Job: Should You Move to the Location of Your Dreams and THEN Look for a Job?

Moving without a job will challenge your identity -- but... Read More

You?re Ready for a Career Change - Is Your Resume?

You finally did it. You made the decision to leave... Read More

How To Get Promoted - Take Control Of Your Destiny!

It Is Up To YouSo, you want to get promoted.... Read More

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Something That Hasnt Been Invented Yet!

Most of us were brought up to study hard, get... Read More

Preventing The Runaway Candidate

Municipal and law enforcement officials in Georgia are still calculating... Read More

Dont Quit Your Day Job! Convincing Your Boss To Let You Telecommute (Part 2 of 2)

Ok, so you've determined that you have the right skills... Read More

Fun At Work Leads to More Success

Common sense at work: Such qualities as loyalty, energy, intelligence... Read More

Focus On White-Collar Crime: Accounting Fraud and Computer Crimes Creates Need; Qualified Investing

An epidemic of white-collar financial crime has resulted in the... Read More

Advantages of Mobile Oil Changes; A Potential Small Business for You?

Mobile oil change and mobile lubes are great for fleet... Read More

Career Killers to Avoid

Many professionals and managers are so involved in day-to-day crises... Read More

Learn How To Network for HIDDEN Jobs

I'll quickly cover the following:A) Why Network With People? B)... Read More

Have Some PASTA with Your Interview

When cyclists prepare for a big race, they always make... Read More