5 strategies for job interview success

Preparing for a job interview can be very stressful, but there are a few tips you can use to be sure that you are ready for anything that may happen. Planning ahead can help you make sure that no matter what, you look like the motivated, detail oriented professional that you are.

Here are 5 strategies for job interview success-

1. Do your research- Take the time to research the company you are planning to interview with. It is important to have a good idea of who they are and what they do. It is also a good idea to jot down a few questions you have about the company to ask during your interview. It will show the hiring manager that you have done your homework and that you are genuinely interested in their company.
2. Be familiar with your resume- This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still needs to be said, know your own resume. Read over many times, be familiar with everything on it. When an interviewer asks you a question about something, you don't want to have to look at your resume to find the answer, and you certainly don't want to tell them something that contradicts information on your resume. This will make them question your integrity and professionalism.
3. Make an emergency kit- Put together an emergency kit so that you wont get caught off guard. A kit should contain items like breath mints, hand wipes, a disposable tooth brush, panty hose or extra tie, extra copies of your resume, a few dollars in change in case you need to use a parking meter, a notepad, eye drops, pens, a bottle of water and anything else you think that you may need. You shouldn't bring this kit into the interview, but it is good to keep in your car in case you need them.
4. Review the job position- Go back through your records to find the actual job description and read it a couple of times. Try to understand exactly what they are looking for so that you know how to present yourself. It helps to be able to use some of the words they used in the description when talking about your skills. If the ad says they want an energetic, self motivated candidate, be sure to be upbeat and steer the conversation.
5. Be yourself- This is so important. It is tempting to try so hard to make a good impression that you forget to just relax and be yourself. The best impression you can make is to be composed and genuine. Most interviewers can tell when you are trying too hard and it can make you seem to be someone who is very tightly wound and nervous. So take a deep breath and let the amazing person you are shine through.

Oh, here is a bonus one:

Follow up quickly- there is no excuse to not send a thank you note very soon after an interview.

Keeping these tips in mind, you should be ready for a great interview! The most important things to keep in mind are, be yourself, be prepared and smile.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.