Do You Know the Secrets to Effective Interviewing?

A job interview requires showing your professionalism, eagerness and commitment within a short time. When answering interview questions, the hiring manager or committee is evaluating your qualifications as well as your personality. Put your best foot forward to impress potential employers with these strategies for an effective and worthwhile experience.

Thoroughly Prepare

Although it may seem obvious that you should prepare for a job interview, the amount of preparation that you put forth is evident from the moment you walk into the room. Go beyond just practicing basic interview questions and research the company's mission, goals, products and services, and culture. Arm yourself with the information from your research that you can use to ask questions of the hiring manager or integrate into your responses to show that you are prepared and invested in this career opportunity.

Avoid Taking the Lead

Hiring managers are seeking candidates who are both eager and motivated. However, avoid taking over the job interview by monopolizing the entire conversation. Respond to questions in a thorough and professional manner, but allow the interviewer to take the lead. Keep your answers brief, concise and focused so that the interviewer can get through the scheduled agenda for the meeting.

Focus on Your Skills

Keep the job interview focused on your qualifications as opposed to your personal interests, hobbies or family life, which may ultimately lead to blatant or unintentional discrimination. Cater your responses to skills that are relevant to the job. Know the job description in and out to ensure you are mentioning key words, applications or equipment to show that you have are knowledgeable about the qualities or qualifications the employer is seeking in a candidate.

Ask Questions

Once the committee or interviewer has finished asking you questions during the job interview, take the opportunity to seek out more information to determine if this position is a good fit for you. Use your research to ask pointed questions about what employees enjoy about working for the company. Find out how you can get involved in the community efforts sponsored by the company. Show a genuine interest in how the company operates by asking specific questions related to production, sales or work flow to impress the hiring manager with your knowledge and demonstrate your keen interest. Request information about the hiring process to plan your follow-up procedures accordingly.

Make a good first impression by dressing the part for meetings with potential employers. Dress for success, pay close attention to your personal hygiene, and avoid wearing clunky jewelry, accessories or bright colors that can be distracting during a job interview. Hiring managers are assessing your skills and qualifications — and they're also analyzing how you could potentially represent the company.

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