Top 10 Expert Tips on How to Ace Any Job Interview

An important step of a successful job interview is the wooing. Start with doing some research. Impress the interviewer with your knowledge about the industry and the company. Consider all of information he or she has about you, so you should do the same. Here's how. Gather the 411 on the company. Check out the company's website. This will give you an sufficient overview of the company's philosophy, direction, earning power and hopefully, even the gist of the big wigs around the office. Also, search around the internet about the company and its competitors. Jot down some stand-out points about the company and mention them in the interview. (That's a great way to schmooze!) Another great way to get the inside scoop on the company is to visit a website called The Vault The site was created specifically for job applicants to learn the "insider" data about companies and industries. You may be able to find information such as recent business arrangements or changes in management. Having knowledge like that may really impress your interviewer. Just be sure not to accidentally insult them! You MUST be careful if you are going to mention something about what's happening in the company you are interviewing with. Make sure you have your facts accurate and don't overstep your bounds. You will make yourself look like an idiot if you mistakenly compliment the company's competitor! DOH!! Big time FAIL! Therefore, write everything down that you learn and keep them properly organized in your notes.

After educating yourself about the company, you should also try to find information about the person who will be interviewing you. The interviewer will ultimately be the person getting you hired, thus either handing you the key to your new office or sending you back to your crappy apartment which is already late in rent.
You don't have to know the interviewer's favorite food, but try to at least find out the name(s) and job title(s) of the people of whom you will be speaking. Also, it is very important to know how to spell and pronounce the interviewers' names. It's really an added bonus when you pronounce tough names correctly.
To find the names, positions and correct pronunciations, ask whoever set up the interview. And if you can, try to find out some personal information about your interviewer but don't sound too stalkish! If you know that your interviewer likes a certain sport or hobby, then you'll have a great conversation ice-breaker. Many company websites provide some information about staff.

I t seems a bit unnecessary to mention the rule "dress to impress" but I won't leave any stone unturned by assuming everyone may not need to be reminded of this. If you walk into your interview wearing jeans and a wrinkled shirt, forget about landing the job. But if you walk in looking like a million dollars, it'll send a message to the interviewer that you're professional and serious about the job. No matter what type of position you are interviewing for, ask yourself if you fit the description of "neat and clean."
T here are two general routes that you could go when dressing for a job interview, depending on the position. For a corporate job, think conservative. The best and safest choice is a black or dark colored suit for men and a dark colored blouse and skirt outfit for women. Think traditional.
F or jobs involving a less executive type position such as in the arts, cleaning, food industry, etc. you still want to look serious and professional. You may be able to wear something a bit less dressy, but you must still keep your attire neat and clean. Try a dress shirt and dress pants (men can forgo the tie) and don't be afraid to go a bit lighter in color. Just don't over-do it with real bright colors. You don't want to blind anyone. Just remember, even if the job is less casual, you may still be interviewing with the boss or a higher up executive.

Physical Appearance & Presentation No-No's

#1: Too much flashy jewelry is obnoxious and unprofessional. Wear one or two rings (at the most) on each hand. Stick with a watch, a simple necklace and small to mid-sized earrings only. (Men should probably not wear any earrings.) Bracelets are fine but not too big and noisy. You don't want to distract from the interview. Forcing your interviewer to wonder who hired a harp player or who possibly placed wind chimes in the office is not good.
#2: GO EASY ON THE FUMES! Remember Chris Farley's character in the elevator scene from the movie Tommy Boy? He "went a bit heavy on the pine scented air freshener." Yes, you want to be clean and showered but you don't want to bring tears to your interviewers' eyes. For women, a light scented body spray or a dab or two of very mild perfume is fine. The same goes for men and cologne. Some people are sensitive to strong scents and some are even allergic. The smaller the room, the stronger the scent. A good rule of thumb is if you can smell yourself, it's probably overkill.

1.) Leave more than plenty of time to get where you are going. Be sure to have the correct address and directions the day before. You may think you know where it is but never assume! It is amazing how much better things will go if you don't feel rushed when you walk in the office door. Besides, you can never predict a traffic jam, broken elevator, or overturned truck of wild animals. Better to get there an hour early than even five minutes late.
2.) Bring a professional looking briefcase or organizer.
You know that backpack covered with ink marks, ketchup stains and rock band iron-on patches? Unless you're auditioning for a part on the Pee-Wee Herman Show, leave it at home! Bring a professional-looking messenger bag, briefcase or portfolio folder. If you don't have one, borrow one! Stock it with extra copies of your résumé, copies of your letters of reference, Breath mints for use BEFORE the interview (and don't chew gum during the interview either, Bessie. Bring a pad of paper and a few pens to take notes. Also, be sure you have your wallet or purse containing your drivers license and social security card.

In stressful situations, it is very easy to forget to do simple things-like speak. So, remember these significant tips:

• Offer a firm, dry handshake. This shows confidence and grace under pressure. Don't try to crush the interviewer's hand, but no matter what, it's important to be FIRM. Nobody likes a spongy limp handshake. Eeew.


• Smile. Show the interviewer you are easygoing and relaxed. Smiles scream team player. Employers love team players.


• If they offer you a drink, take one. Everyone in an interview is so quick to say, "no thanks" when they are offered a beverage. Go ahead and take it. It will buy you time. You can take sips while you think about your answers and water will help eliminate dry mouth.


• Sit up straight. Listen to the voice of your mom! Don't slouch! You're not lounging with your best friend watching a movie.


• Make eye contact. Look your interviewer in the eye throughout the entire interview. This shows that you are confident, honest and interested. When your interviewer looks down at your cover letter, continue focusing on him or her. Wandering eyes indicate lack of interest or that you are bored. Use that time to prepare for the next potential questions.


• Speak up - but never interrupt. There's nothing worse than an interviewee who doesn't speak unless spoken to. What is even worse is responding with a hum-drum, short "yes" or "no" answer. so It's fine to appear enthusiastic. Remember that you're selling yourself. BUT, the key is to elaborate without being an over-chatty motor-mouth. If you interrupt your interviewer in mid-sentence, you may miss the point. Even if you think you have something genius to contribute, wait until he/she finishes. This also shows you can LISTEN and that you pay attention to receiving all the information before acting.


• Nod. A simple bob of the head demonstrates your interest and that you are paying attention.


• Slip in a comment about how nice the neighborhood or office is. This works as a nice ice-breaker. You can even mention a restaurant you like around the corner. For instance, say something like, "I got here early and while I was walking around, I noticed%u2026" This tactic also shows off your interpersonal skills and nonchalantly, your punctuality! (Pretty slick, huh?)


• Laugh when an appropriate moment allows. Think about it: wouldn't you want to hire someone with an easygoing personality? Just don't over-do-it and sound insane.


• Breathe. It sounds funny to mention, kind of like when everyone says that to a woman in labor. But, inhaling and exhaling in a rhythm helps keep you calm and more prepared for whatever is thrown at you. Plus, if you don't breathe, you'll die. Then they'll have to give the job to someone else anyway.


• Don't freak out if you make a mistake! Particularly at the beginning of the interview, you may feel a little nervous just as one might feel on a first date. Nervousness sometimes cause us to say the wrong thing. The best way to handle any blunder is to remain calm. What the interviewer may notice is how you react to your mistake. To manage a fumble, just smile and say, "I'm sorry. I'm a little nervous. I am really interested in this position and want to do well in this interview. I'll start again." Don't struggle and DON'T cry. Be confident, even if you have to fake it.

The best thing you can do to increase your chances of landing the job is to help make the interviewers' job easier. If after talking to you, the interviewer feels it was a great effort to illicit information out of you, that is a strike against you. On the other hand, if your meeting leaves him or her feeling at ease with you and that time flew by quickly while talking with you, that is a big plus.
If you prepare careful answers to common questions in advance, you'll be ahead of the game. In each of your answers, try to convey your enthusiasm and ability to be a team player. Make an effort to answer questions in a timely manner. Answers that take you too long to relate may make it seem like you are struggling to find something intelligent to say.

There is no way to predict every question your interviewer may throw out at you. Accepting the fact that you may not be ready for every question you are asked puts you ahead of the game. (You may have trouble if you're applying for a position as a psychic, though.) Just stay relaxed and try and recognize some questions that may come up. Here are some tips on how to handle 2 common ones.

1.) The "trap question" comes up in almost every interview. The trap question is some variation of, "What is your area of weakness?" The real answer may be that you have trouble paying attention to detail or that you are incredibly shy. Whatever you do, DON'T SHARE your personal weaknesses. Instead, try to find something to say that isn't a real weakness, but a slightly less-than-ideal characteristic. For example: "I prefer to see a project through from start to finish rather than working on only one module and never seeing the result. I sometimes find it a bit frustrating to work without that overall context."
Another answer that may work would be something like, "On occasion, I have a hard time saying no to people and I end up taking on more than my share of work."
If you truly can't fathom how to respond, don't panic. You can always throw out the cliché comeback, "I'm a perfectionist. I am trying to learn how not to be so hard on myself and making sure I get everything perfect." I do recommend the previous answers, if possible, though.
2.) Be aware and prepared for questions about why you left your old company or why you are interested in this position. These questions are designed to make sure your interest in the new company is sincere and not due to you being fired and/or having serious problems at your former job place. If the interviewer asks, "why were you fired?" keep the answer simple, brief and right to the point. Respond with, "It was a hostile environment in which many people were let go." Be sure not to insult or criticize your previous company or boss.

• Tell me a little about yourself.


• What interests you most about this position?


• Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?


• What is your ultimate career goal?


• Tell me about a project that had a tough problem that you solved.


• What are your greatest strengths?


• What did you like about your last job?


• What separates you from other candidates? or Why should I hire you?


• How does your previous experience/academic preparation/college activities relate to this work? (See the following module below for a great response to this question!)

Every employer views a problem solving employee as a benefit, regardless of the position held. To implement this tactic, think about the work you have done and achievements at other jobs you had. (You can even mention your parenting practices at home, especially if you don't have much employment history.) Consider briefly mentioning a noteworthy dilemma you handled well at a previous workplace. Do that by illustrating how you rectified a particular problem by breaking that experience into three parts:

a.) The problem you encountered
b.) How you evaluated the problem and planned a recovery
c.) The successful solution you put into action.

First, keep in mind that you are interviewing them almost as much as they are interviewing you. Toward the end of interview, the interviewer may likely ask, "Do you have any questions for me?" You should have questions! Ask an appropriate one or two from the list below or other ones you've thought about beforehand. Consider asking these potential questions:
A.) How would you describe a typical workday?
B.) What is the best part of working at this company for you?
C.) Are there or will there be opportunities to take classes or seminars to learn more about the different aspects of the company and/or industry?
D.) Why did you join the company?
Interviewers are fond of talking about themselves, so these types of questions will be a turn on for them.
ALWAYS end the interview telling them you are very interested in the position. Ask them what the next steps are for you to take. This shows you are you eager and may also light a fire underneath them to keep you in mind.

If you conduct the follow-up properly, the chances of getting hired will increase dramatically.
1.) Send a thank-you letter
Send out a thank you letter (snail mail-NOT email) to your interviewer the very same day of the interview. The letter should be a simple note expressing gratitude to the person for taking the time to meet you, expressing how much you enjoyed your discussion, and how interested you are in joining the team. It's also a good idea to add a personalized sentence such as, "Your explanation of the company's _________ increased my interest in the position." Whatever your own personal style may be, make sure to say (maybe in closing) "thanks for meeting with me and conveying your wisdom." Then, make sure to mail it ASAP so it is waiting on your interviewers' desk when he or she sits down to make a decision. Remember to send a note to everyone who gave you a formal interview, as well. Keep in mind that the more people you thank and keep in contact with, the better. The main or last person to interview you may not be the only one to interview you and may not be the only one in the decision making process.
2.) Make a follow-up phone call
If you haven't heard back from the company after a week, CALL THEM. No one wants to be a pest, but a little perseverance never hurts. A friendly phone call after a week shows that you are truly interested. You can also politely ask about how long it may be that they'll be making their decision. If that date or time frame passes and you still haven't heard anything, call again. It's not being pushy, it's being persistent.