So you've made a stellar first impression with your unique cover letter and well-crafted resume and scored an interview. You can pat yourself on the back, but the battle isn't over yet — it takes a fantastic lasting impression during the job interview to win out over the other candidates. Follow these tips to improve your interview skills before the big day arrives.
1. Do Your Research
Gather as much information as possible about the potential employer. Aside from learning about the products and services provided by the company, delve into the issues and challenges the organization faces. Read articles about the employer, peruse press releases and review company executive profiles. In your job interview, use the information you learned to relate your skills and qualifications to the organization's needs.
2. Find Common Interests
If you know the names of the people on the interview panel, use LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook to learn more about them. Discover any common interests you may have, and slip in a subtle reference to your hobby while making small talk at the job interview. Creating this personal connection makes you more memorable to the hiring reps.
3. Consult With a Career Coach
Work with a professional career coach to improve your technique. Conduct mock interviews, and practice your answers to challenging interview questions. Discuss do's and don'ts of the job interview.
4. Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Be sure to prepare your own questions prior to the job interview. Rather than asking about salary, work hours or benefits, come up with insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the position. Inquire about opportunities for advancement within the organization, and ask why the former employee left the position. Find out whether the position has supervisory responsibilities, and inquire about the company culture. Gaining more information about the company and the position lets you decide whether you are a good fit for the organization.
5. Relate Your Answers to Your Past
Rather than just listing your skills and qualifications for the interview panel, provide examples from your past education and work experiences to show how you were able to apply those skills. If the position requires bookkeeping experience, explain the work you did while serving as treasurer of a nonprofit organization.
6. Express Your Gratitude
In addition to thanking the members of the panel for their time at the end of the interview, follow up with a short thank-you note through email later that day. Use the opportunity to briefly summarize your skills and qualifications and explain why you're the right fit for the organization.
Consider every job interview as experience that helps to build your interviewing skill set and lets you learn from successes and failures. When you feel out of practice and need a refresher before attending an important job interview, follow these tips to improve your interview skills.
Photo courtesy of Temping Agency London at Flickr.com
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