Acing That Interview

A job interview provides a single opportunity to impress a potential employer and fully communicate what you have to offer, but acing an interview takes more than just having a good resume. Follow these tips for each step of the interview process to create a positive impression and increase your chances of scoring the job.

Before the Interview

Take time to research the employer to get a feel for the company culture and understand its goals and mission statement. This can help you tailor your answers to common interview questions. You should also be ready to tell the interviewer about yourself when asked, so prepare a short snippet that includes your most valuable skills and accomplishments. Be sure to have an honest answer for when the interviewer asks about your greatest weakness or a mistake you've made at a previous job.

Ask about the company's dress code when preparing your outfit for the job interview, and err on the conservative side. On the day of the interview, show up 10 to 15 minutes early to convey punctuality and give yourself some leeway in case you get delayed. Have an extra copy of your resume on hand in case your interviewer doesn't have one.

During the Interview

No matter how much you prepare, the job interview itself is always nerve-wracking. Instead of letting nervousness turn you into a passive answerer, take control of the interview process by guiding the conversation toward your accomplishments and skills. At the same time, remember that the interview is not all about you. Put yourself in your interviewer's shoes so you can convey how your skills and experience can benefit the company.

Make frequent eye contact, especially when you first meet the interviewer, and pay attention to your body language throughout the interview. Don't conceal your hands, which creates the impression that you're hiding something. You should also avoid tapping or fidgeting with your fingers, a habit that conveys impatience or lack of confidence.

After the Interview

Immediately after the job interview, follow up with a sincere thank-you note or email. If the interviewer gives you any instructions for how to contact her, such as emailing instead of calling, follow them. Spend your time waiting to hear back efficiently by preparing for a second job interview, just in case you need to go on short notice. Try not to pester your potential employer — no matter how anxious you feel. If you don't hear back after two contact attempts, it's probably time to move on in your job search.

Acing an interview may take a lot of work, preparation and practice, but the results are worth the effort. If you don't hear a positive answer, take the experience as a learning opportunity to improve your job interview skills for the next one.

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