Preparation, performance key to job interviews

Whether you’re a recent college grad or a grizzled veteran of big business, interviewing for a job can be a nerve-wracking experience. More than a few people have experienced a sleepless night on the eve of a job interview, underscoring the stress many people associate with interviews.

While you may not be able to eliminate stress completely, there are ways to boost your confidence about the interview process. And the more confident you are entering an interview, the less likely you are to be a bundle of nerves before and during the interview. The following tips should help boost your confidence for your next interview and might help you land that dream job.

•Preparation

Much of the stress that comes with a job interview is the fear of the unknown. That’s why recent college grads are typically more stressed out for a job interview than professionals who have been there, done that in the past. Whereas the veteran pro knows what to expect, the recent grad has no idea. However, proper preparation can help you know what to expect.

•Research the Company. Extend your knowledge beyond just the job for which you’re interviewing. The more you know about the company, the more informed your answers will seem to the interviewer and the more you can tailor those answers to the company’s goals.

•Ask Yourself What Questions You Would Ask. Interview questions, particularly for entry level positions, are often predictable. After an interview is scheduled, think of the questions you’re likely to be asked, and then think of thoughtful answers to those questions. While it’s good to think of answers ahead of time, make sure your answers focus on ideas instead of actual answers, as you won’t want your responses to seem rehearsed.

•Write Down What You Bring to the Table. Regardless of the position you’re almost certain to be asked how your past experience applies to it. Your response to this question should be a home run, as there must be a reason you mailed in your resume, feeling as if you and the job were a good match. Be prepared to confidently explain why you are the right fit for the job.

•Bring Your Own Set of Questions. You should be prepared to do some interviewing yourself. Have an extensive list of questions available, and if they are answered during the course of the interview, simply check them off your list. If you don’t have a list of thoughtful questions, it will give the impression you’re indifferent about the position.

•Performance: While there’s no way of knowing the success rate of the most qualified candidate, it’s certainly not a 100 percent guarantee he or she will get the job. That’s because a job interview isn’t just about your resume, but about you as well. Even the most prepared person might not land the job if that preparation doesn’t translate to how well he performs in the interview. Be sure to do the following at your next interview:

•Arrive at least 10 minutes early.

•Have your own pen in case you’re required to fill out an application.

•Make eye contact with the hiring manager when both of you are speaking.

•Don’t sit until you’re offered a chair.

•Project energy and don’t slouch.

•Ask for an extensive job description early on in the interview.

•Answer with more than just a “yes” or “no.”

•Leave salary, benefit and vacation inquiries for the follow-up interview, not the initial interview.

•Don’t make negative comments about current employers or co-workers.