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First, it’s important to point out that nothing will prepare you for a job interview for a job that you are not qualified for. The only place you have a chance of keeping a job that you are not qualified for is state or federal government, and I’ve seen that happen quite a bit. Most other employers will turn you back out to the street within your trial period.

I’ve been on both sides of the interview process several times. I’ve watched candidates that appear to know their field on paper get into the interview and fall apart. Did they really know it or were they just not prepared to interview? I’ve also interviewed where it was obvious that I was more prepared than those interviewing me. With the proper planning, you can be sure to make the right impression and leave a lasting impression on the interview committee.

Five ways to ace an interview

Before I begin, there are a few things to consider. Most likely, as I mentioned above, the person interviewing you will be reading a list of questions they threw together or someone else threw at them. Many larger businesses have strict guidelines about the interview process and have turned it into a chore for the interview committee. The same person asks the same question to every candidate. They have chosen to do this because of the fear of litigation. These circumstances often cause interviewers to be less prepared than you are. They have a list of questions, they’ve read them before and they just want to get someone to make the offer to, that can do the job, so they can get back to theirs. Don’t let their lack of excitement rub off on you, answer each of their questions with enthusiasm and keep these points in mind.

1. Know the company you are interviewing for

When you get the call for an interview you need to learn everything you haven’t about the company. Read their website, find out what their corporate culture is like. If the company is local, you may know people that work there. Find out how the different departments interact and what they do. Visit the company ahead of time to be sure you know where you are going and where you should park. The interviewer will be happy to talk to someone who has done their research. Most candidates don’t.

2. Wear a suit

It doesn’t have to be brand new, or cost two grand. An inexpensive suit will go along way, if that’s what you can afford. You want to represent what you can be and a suit is a start. A set of cheap dress shoes can be found for less than $20 bucks. They won’t be much, and probably won’t be too comfortable, but they will last for a few interviews and will be tolerable for wearing a couple hours. Believe it or not, I showed up to my interview for my first job in a sport coat. I was only 16 or so, but it was what I had. The funny thing, looking back on it was that the job was at Wendy’s, a hamburger restaurant. And yes, I got the job, offered the same day. Overkill, yeah, but I wanted the job.

3. Have questions prepared for the interviewer

Most candidates forget it, since they are too worried about how they will answer questions, but the last question on every single interview I have ever participated in was “do you have any questions for us/me?”. Usually, the room goes silent for about thirty seconds while the person being interviewed attempts to stare a hole into the floor. Realizing it has been too quiet for too long, they usually manage to mumble “um, no.” and the interview comes to an awkward close.

Asking questions of the interviewer(s) shows you are interested in the position and have taken the time to consider the various aspects of employment for the company. If they are the person managing the department you are interviewing for, ask them what type of manager they see themselves as, ask others where they usually eat lunch when/if the go out to eat, ask what the most demanding part of their job is, but ask them something that will help you learn more about the position.

4. Brag on yourself

They won’t do it for you. Most interviews are setup to weed out candidates so the committee can choose among the strongest three or four for a second round of interviews or an offer. You need to speak directly to the qualifications outlined in the job description. If they ask you what frustrates you most,you could mention it was working wih someone of a different personality, BUT that once you learned how to work with them, you got along much better(if it was true in your case).

Answer each question, ending in how you are best suited for a particular qualification or have experience in a certain area. The interview is one part of life where you can feel free to brag, in a restrained manner. When bragging on yourself, be sure to mention how other team members contributed to the project and outcome. The interviewer will like to see if you are willing to give credit to others when it is due, and what a nice segue into point five.

5. Ethics, team effort, and interpersonal skills are just as important as job skills

If you are perfectly suited for the job but come across as someone who needs a few anger management classes, you will be removed form the list. If you have a problem with your current employer or manager, don’t bring it to the interview. One of the questions I like to ask interviewees is, “what type of manager is your current supervisor?” or “tell me about your current manager’s style of management”. It lets them answer a simple question honestly. If they are quick to point out shortcomings in their current manager or describe the problems they have with them, they’ll do the same if hired for the new job. If you are asked about a time you had problems dealing with someone, be honest, but objective. Let them know how you came to an understanding(assuming you did, and it didn’t involve a baseball bat).

And the infamous BONUS #6. Remember the interviewers’ names and get their (work) addresses

Here’s a good tip to get you remembered by the interviewing committee. Get their names and departments they work in, while you’re interviewing. Write them down, being sure to get the correct spelling, and take the list home with you. Write them each a thank-you card for the time they took to interview you and wish them the best in their selection. Mail it within 24hrs of the interview. You want your name to be on their minds. Most likely, if there are several interviewers, they will mention to each other that they got a thank you card. It isn’t common and it is remembered when it happens.

More tips? Leave a comment!

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