10 Best Job Interview Tips for Job -Seekers

Make good First Impressions - to Everyone You Encounter

A cardinal rule of interviewing: Be polite and offer warm greeting to everyone you meet--- smile. When it's time for the interview, keep in mind that first impressions- the ones interviewers make in the first few seconds of greeting you - can make or break an interview. Make a strong impression by dressing well, arriving early, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer are vital in the initial stages of the interview: studies show that hiring managers make critical decisions about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of th interview.

Sell Yourself Throughout and then Close the Deal

An adage in the interview - You either get the order, get a future commitment, or learn a lesson.

Review Common Interview Questions and Prepare Responses/ STAR Interviewing Technique

Another key to interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. Your goal is composing detailed yet concise responses, focusing on specific examples and accomplishments. A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them into story form that you can tell in the interview.

Thank Interviewer in Person, by E-mail, and Postal Mail

Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing; thus the importance of thanking each person is vital. Writing thank you notes shortly after the interview will give you an edge over your competition.

Be Upbeat, Focused, Confident, Candid, and Concise

Once the interview starts, the key to success is the quality and delivery of your responses. Your goal should always be authenticity, responding truthfully to questions. Using STAR Technique - providing focused responses that showcase your skills, experience, and fit - with the job and the employer.

Dress for Success

Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it's always better to overdress than under.

Ask Insightful Questions

Studies continually show that employers make judgement about an applicant's interest in the job by whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Have at least three questions prepared for the interviewer.

Conduct Research on the Employer, Hiring Manager, Job

Success in job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge on the job-seeker's part. You should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the people interviewing you. The more research you conduct, the more you'll understand the job and be able to answer interview questions, as well as ask insightful questions - see Tip 8)

Arrive on Time for the Interview - and be prepared for success. Remember Lombardi Time

There is no excuse for ever arriving late for an interview -other than some sort of disaster. Strive to arrive 15 minutes before scheduled interview (Lombardi Time). Arriving early is also a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace. Pack extra copies of your resume and reference list. Finally, as you get to the office, shut off your cell phone.

Remember Body Language, Avoiding Bad Habits

While the content of your interview responses is paramount, poor body language can be a distraction at best - or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective forms of body language: smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, nodding, and involvement