My Favorite Job Interview Tips

Here are 9 of my favorite interviewing tips. If you are not using all of them before now I suggest you start with the next opportunity you get:

1. Research, before you meet - This could include: going to it beforehand plus checking it out, going online, asking other people what they know about the organization. Also check out their competition. Showing an understanding of what they do is a grand way to show that you are a self-starter.

2. Re-do your resume - Make it more suitable for the specific role by emphasizing aspects of your background that are relevant. One-size-fits-all resumes are for losers.

3. Role playing, it works here too - Find a friend or relative who can play the part of the interviewer. This helps your confidence, also uncovers behaviors that you may not want to show for the period of the meeting. Finally, it helps you to develop short and appropriate answers so you come across concise and confident.

4. Dress the part - Don't arrive in jeans if most who work there are in a skirt or suit, likewise the same if the "code" is casual: Arriving in a suit may make the interviewer uncomfortable. Not a good thing.

5. Extra copies of your resume - the interviewer may be seeing multiple candidates and not have your paper with her. Also, you may be asked to meet with someone else if you pass the "audition", so having a few resumes will help those people see how "right" you are.

6. Get engaged - Don't just answer questions, but also have a couple in your pocket to ask. Showing you are engaged and that you care and thoughtful can help differentiate you from the other candidates.

7. It was good for me - how was it for you? At the end, ask if the interviewer is she thinks you are right for the job. Most people don't do this and it can help surface any issues which may work against you. So, if she has a problem or concern, you can reply by saying something like," I'm glad you mentioned that...." and then go on to explain why it's not a problem at all.

8. Will I hear from you again? Leaving and waiting by the phone for a call back doesn't work for dating or for job interviews. Ask when they expect to make a decision and ask if you can call back at that time.

9. Politeness still works - send a card or email to thank everyone who you met during the day (helps to get their cards during the meetings) and send them a note thanking them and also reaffirming why you think you are just right for the job.