Congratulations! You’ve put together an awesome resume and cover letter tailored to your dream job and ideal organization and you’ve landed and interview. You’ve made it to first base! Now comes the exciting, and often dreaded, part of your job search…the interview.
It’s one thing to look good on paper. Qualifications, skills, and knowledge are definitely important; however, the ability to relate to others, establish rapport, and demonstrate a positive attitude is a whole different ballgame. Some would argue that it’s even more important than the stuff on your resume. Liken it to dating. If a friend told you about someone they think you have a lot in common with, would you ask the person to marry you, sight unseen?
How you “fit” within the organization goes beyond your experience and training. Fit includes your personality, communications skills and style, and even your personal appearance. The interview provides an opportunity for the interviewer to not only check out your qualifications, but to see if you can connect with others and demonstrate good human relations skills.
In a Nutshell:
Prepare, prepare, prepare – for all interview types and formats. There are three common types: traditional, behavioral (or experiential), and case. Any of these can be phone interviews or face-to-face interviews.
Practice your elevator speech until it becomes natural. (Thirty second answer to “Tell me about yourself.”)
Be on time. Appropriately early gives a good impression. If you are late, you can kiss the job goodbye.
Dress appropriately and professionally.
Have several copies of your resume on hand.
Show respect for everyone you meet, use good manners, and demonstrate good human relations skills.
Make a strong first impression with your handshake and eye contact.
Establish rapport with the interviewer. Notice something in their office you can take an interest in and ask about.
Be relaxed and be yourself but don’t be too casual or act non-chalant.
Use confident gestures and body language, but not too cocky or smug.
Match the energy level and tone of the interviewer.
Always use appropriate language and the organizatons lingo.
Assume you have the job by using “we” when appropriate.
Be honest and sincere.
Ask pertinent questions that demonstrate you’ve done your homework. Taking time to research the organization, even if it’s just “googling” the company, the person or people interviewing you, and the industry in which the company belongs, will arm you with a host of information and make a memorable impression on the interviewer.
Be positive and eager to learn more about the organizaton.
Don’t speak negatively about past jobs or supervisors.
Be a good listener, don’t interrupt, and maintain eye contact with the person speaking.
Anticipate objections and be prepared to respond favorably instead of defensively.
Be assertive by asking if there are any concerns you can address.
Ask about the next step.
Follow-up with thank you notes to everyone you had significant contact with. Handwritten or email notes are appropriate. Tailor each according to your interview.
Interviewing can be scary, particularly when you are unaccustomed to being persuasive, talking about yourself without feeling boastful, and speaking publicly to an audience. However, with each subsequent interview your skills will improve and your confidence will build.
Note: This article is an excerpt from Interviewing 101 How to Make Them Love You and Pay You Too, copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved, Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. If you would like a copy of the entire 20 page article, please send an email to
dallasmarketing@dalecarnegie.com with Interviewing 101 as the subject line.
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