A Successful Job Interview Every Time

Each interview is practice for another interview. Don't throw an interview just because you're upset that you didn't get a call back for your dream job or you think the company is a bad match for you. Think of it like dating: This company has good taste. Don't flaw them for that. Go on each interview you can and hone your interview skills. You never know who you might meet or what satisfyingly unforeseen job connection might result.

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Lets be honest: Your SAT scores don't matter anymore, and nobody will give a darn where you went to college if you can't communicate why you're a team player or what your ideal job would be.

Before you go on an interview, get to know everything you can about the company. Ask around, get the inside info on the place from friends who work there or who know others who do. Do a very complex Advanced Google Search on the Company. Take notes. Write down questions. Think about why you this job, and try to come up with good answers to some questions you're likely to be asked.

You don't want to go overboard, but I do feel the more prepared and informed you are, the more comfortable and relaxed you'll feel in the interview, and therefore the more likely you are to perform with grace and charisma instead of like a nervous school kid. All the research and mock interviews you've done with friends or a mentor have a better chance of paying off than letting nerves immobilize you or deciding to "just wing it."

You can never be certain of the questions that will be asked on an interview. However, it helps to have clear responses to these common questions that are asked time and time again.

Why do you want to work in this field?

Why do you want to work at this organization

Take me through your resume/ your responsibilities in your last position

What was you favorite project?

What do you like to do in your free time

Tell me about a situation that challenged you.

What's one thing you'd like to accomplish, no matter how crazy?

What unique ability can you bring to this position?

How do you handle difficult people?

Be sure to carry a few extra copies of your resume, a pen and paper, and your list of carefully researched questions. Give your outfit some liberal cat-hair de-linting, and, above all, don't forget to breathe. Put your resume in a elegant folder and carry a classy briefcase style bag. No one needs to know that you've spent the last six months eating Mac n' Cheese in your underwear. And NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW, got it?

What To Wear?
A simple suit, or at least a jacket and pants or skirt that match. I have heard people argue about there being some jobs for which you can go the casual route, but I disagree. One time I wore a sweater and skirt to an interview (I assumed that it was okay since the company was a start-up and held informally). And though I got the job, my overly critical boss later told me that she'd considered my lack of professional attire very poor form. If the interview's at some seriously progressive firm, some super hip trendy establishment, maybe you can get away with knee high boots instead of heels, but I stress that you fight your inner slob and still wear the suit. You stand to lose nothing by looking professional, together, and serious, no matter what position or company to which you are applying.

What Will They Ask You?
Relax. The interview is not a life or death situation but a chance for you to share yourself and feel out your future employer. Look at it like a first date. Both of you want to see if you like one another and if you make a good match.

Your interviewer has already read your resume. Now they want to find out if you can speak articulately about your future, talents, and whether your personality fits with theirs. Which is why you want to make sure you express your charm, intellect, and grace. Notice I said your. If you go into an interview thinking your going to show them someone you are not, it will show, and you will appear insecure or untrustworthy, and may blow the interview altogether.

Interview questions may be typical, but you don't have to be. That's the best part: The questions genericness is what will let you shine by reviewing how you will answer them beforehand.

Keep in mind, there are no wrong answers. You just want to answer in as compelling a fashion as you can without going overboard or dwelling too long on negative issues (jobs that ended badly). Remember, don't for any reason lie or pretend to be more competent than you really are. You can be impressive enough without all the fabrications.

I recommend to send a thank-you note to the interviewer the same day of an interview. If time is lacking, a well-written email will work as well. If you have a day or two, send a handwritten note on good stationary. Not sending one at all could cost you the job.

In the note, go over the elements of the interview and let them know, without beating around the bush, that you are available any time to answer more questions, and that you look forward to speaking with them again. Don't go procrastinate - you want continue the great first impression you made in the interview by finishing with a stand-out thank-you follow up. Do it. Do it now.

You nailed the interview and then you don't hear from the interviewer again and you can't get in touch with them. Or you feel you blew the interview for the greatest job ever and then out of no where they call you up and offer you a boat load of money and company expense account. The gods of Employment work in mysterious ways.

You should hear one way or the other the outcome of your interview within a week or so of the meeting. While in the interview, the interviewer doesn't mention the time frame for making a decision, don't hesitate to ask, "What's your time frame for filling this position?" You're a hot shot, after all, and have lots of jobs to consider - you need to know when you'll be hearing from them.

If you don't hear from them within the time frame outlined, or for over a week, drop the employer a line. Note - this is your life, and you have every right to know how things are progressing.

I Love You, You Love Me Not
If deep down you feel the interview went well, theres a good chance it did! But there are many hidden factors that shape whether you do or don't get a job (bosses relatives, overqualified). You just need to do your best and move on.

If by chance you are not chosen for the job, as is bound to happen in your career, don't dwell on it. Do not send a hateful letter to the interviewer criticizing their breath. However, do ask to speak with them and find out why you were passed over. They took the time to review you and should have a reason behind their decision; and their insights may help you in future interviews.

You Love Me, I Love You Not
It may happen that you have to reject the job offer. Could be you realized it was a bad match for you. Maybe you decided that you will be unable to live off a monthly salary less than your car payment. If this happens, you need to send a letter, telling them how appreciative you are to have been considered, and your straight forward reasons for having to decline the offer. You should feel flattered. And even if the job is not for you, the company recognizes a diamond when they find one.

Where In Love
In the best situation, you apply for a job, have a great interview, spend little time waiting by the phone, and you are offered the job of a lifetime within a week. Now is the time to discuss issues of salary, time off, title and other the benefits you've been thinking about since the interview.

You should eventually receive a formal offer in writing and include the discussed salary and benefits package (health, dental insurance, 401(k), and vacation). If any thing is not up to snuff, this is the time to negotiate. Once you accept a job, you're not going to get your employer to listen when you try to squeeze a higher salary out of them.

Think ahead of time what you feel you are worth (do a search on the internet for the average salaries for your position), what you need to live and what the lowest salary that your willing to accept. You know what your worth, and you don't want to be a pushover or a cheap date. You can be polite and professional to the very last dime, but you still need to buy groceries and pay your bills.

Always, always, always make sure you read the contract so you know what your getting into. Even the greatest sounding jobs may have tiny details - no vacation, bad benefits, unheard of "sick day" policies - that could be a problem down the road.

If you really want the job of your dreams, you need to be mentally prepared. You need to to tap the power of your mind. And to do this, you need to read "Conversational Hypnosis:The Guide To Influencing People and Getting What You Want."

A Powerful Read!