Job Interviews:
You Can Ace Them With These Strategies!

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. But just like first dates, they can also be wonderful opportunities. If you are well prepared, confident, and do everything right, you'll make a winning impression and obtain your goal.

The great thing is that being well prepared, confident, and doing everything right is easier than you think. Heck, just by finding this web site, you're already ahead of your competition!
The best job interview strategies are powerful yet simple techniques that you can use to get the job you want. On this web site you'll learn what to do -- and not do -- during every phase of your quest for the ideal job.
Ben Franklin's statement perfectly summarizes the job interview process. The key to success is to be prepared -- that's more important than anything else. Read that last sentence again. When it comes to job interviews, being prepared is more important than job knowledge, skills and experience! It's your secret weapon to acing the interview and coming out on top, regardless of how "good" the other candidates are!
For example, when you are well prepared, you know how to emphasize the following traits, which are more important than your qualifications:
(1) Being enthusiastic. By being upbeat and having a positive attitude, you'll show the interviewer within the first few seconds that you are a "can-do" person who will be an asset to their organization.
(2) Being likeable. It sounds simplistic, but it's a fact that is often overlooked... people want to work with (and hire) people they like.
(3) Being determined. You have to make it clear that you want this job more than anything else.
(4) Being informed. You need to know about the company and what they'll expect you to do for them.
In this web site, you'll find a treasure trove of information on powerful job interview strategies, career planning, job search techniques, work-at-home opportunities, and much more. So get comfortable and spend some time exploring this site. Then use the strategies and information you'll find to prepare for, and obtain, the job of your dreams!
NOTE: In a hurry? I discuss all aspects of the best job interview strategies in much greater detail in my "Job Interview Success System." For more information on that, click here: Job Interview Success System.

Job Interview
Questions & Answers:
Know What to Expect
and What to Say

The key is to give better answers than anyone else. To do this, you must:
(1) Anticipate likely questions;
(2) Develop excellent answers;
(3) Practice!
Be enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions. Don't rush your answers, but don't ramble on and on, either. Try to, um, avoid, like, using unnecessary words, right? And um, repeating yourself or, like, annoying phrases, you know?
A good technique is to write out your answers to the questions you anticipate, then edit them to make them more concise. Then practice your polished answers out loud, over and over. If you can have someone help you do a "mock interview," that would be the best way to do this.
Most questions will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of employee you will be. Here's one that is very commonly used to help the interviewer learn about both:
"Tell me a little about yourself."
When responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and professional values. Always be honest, but talk about your best traits only, especially those that relate to the position for which you are applying. Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. Here's an example:
"I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information tools and techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication plans for major public events, written dozens of articles accepted by worldwide publications, and created specialized educational programs for adults and students. I am always eager to learn new methods and procedures, and have implemented continuous improvement techniques in my past positions that saved money and increased productivity. I like working with people and enjoy group projects, but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a volunteer with the local chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in community events. My goals are to complete my Master's Degree and broaden my experiences with community relations."
Remember to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement, you'll get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response.
Consider this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE chance to sell yourself, what would you say?
"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"
Choose one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you worked for. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were. Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the position for which you are applying. Employers like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's reputation.
"What is your greatest strength?"
This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or four. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines."
"What is your greatest weakness?"
Be careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a bit of a perfectionist." Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers over and over again. To stand out, be more original and state a true weakness, but then emphasize what you've done to overcome it. For example: "I've had trouble delegating duties to others because I felt I could do things better myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time management and learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've overcome this weakness."

IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!
"How do you handle stressful situations?"
Give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how you use time management, problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. For example, tell them that making a "to-do" list helps. Site stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a break. Don't be afaid to admit that you will ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed.
If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.
"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"
Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular work group. The bigger the problem, the better. Give specific examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in sharing credit if it was a team effort, but be sure to highlight your specific role.
"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"
This is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires supervisory duties. Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the employee. If those techniques turned the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques failed, tell how you followed the company's policies and what the end result was.
"Why do you want this position?"
Here's where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other candidates. Explain how you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a company that... provides a vital public service, leads the industry in innovative products, whatever... find something specific about that company that you can tie in with your answer. Explain how your qualifications and goals complement the company's mission, vision and values (use specific examples). If you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from your current position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities.
"Why are you the best person for this job?"
As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in [name the appropriate field] and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will provide top-quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work. You won't have any regrets when you hire me."
Interview questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain extent. There are endless variations and no way to know every question in advance. But that doesn't matter. Because you know there will be unexpected questions, you will not cringe or freak out when they pop up, as some applicants will. Instead, you will turn them into opportunities to shine even more brightly.
No one knows you better than you. Memorize a list of your best features, your best selling points. Use every opportunity and unexpected question to mention these.
Realize that sometimes what you say isn't as important as how you say it. Be confident, enthusiastic, and remember to smile often.
Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Candidates who do not have questions show a lack of initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the position. Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!
Have your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer). Don't ask any question that shows that you have not done your research about the company.
Do not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my first raise?" or "How often will I be subjected to a performance review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the job.)
In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic questions:
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations, especially public agencies, have interview panels in which employees from other agencies participate.
Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?
If they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of specific experience, this gives you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion about you. If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in advance, you should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses. For example, "I know I have limited experience in this field, but what I lack in specific experience I make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel. I'm a fast learner and I'll work harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team."
When do you expect to make your final decision?
Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and you need to know when to follow up.

Job Interviews:
Employ These Srategies
DURING the Interview to
Stand Out and
Get Hired!

Job interviews can be intimidating and unpleasant, but only if you are unprepared. Because you followed the PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGIES, you will be more confident, professional, and less nervous than the other candidates.
During your job interviews, you will be enthusiastic, likeable, determined, and informed. These traits are all more important than your job qualifications. Because you know this and are well prepared, you will blow away your competition!
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #1: Arrive early.
Job interviews require punctuality; arrive early. Yes, this is a "common sense" strategy that you should already know. But you'd be amazed at how many candidates show up late for their interviews! Talk about a negative first impression! Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your interview time. Use that 15 minutes to relax and mentally prepare.
If something unavoidable happens and you absolutely can't make it on time, call BEFORE your scheduled time and explain your situation. Be honest, courteous, and apologetic (even if it wasn't your fault). Then ask for another time.
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #2: Make your introduction and greeting memorable.
Job interviews can involve dozens of candidates over the course of several days. You need to stand out from the pack and be remembered! So make your introduction and greeting more memorable than most. Do this with everyone you are introduced to, including the receptionist or Human Resources person who meets you prior to the interview: Smile, make eye contact, shake hands, and say their name.
Make your smile genuine, and don't be afraid to show some teeth. You are very happy to be there, right?
Make eye contact and notice the color of their eyes. Continue to make eye contact throughout the interview process. This is very important, because failing to make eye contact or constantly looking away creates the impression that you are hiding something or not being honest.
Shake hands "properly." If you have sweaty palms (which is only natural, even if you ARE well prepared), try to unobtrusively wipe them off before shaking hands. Perhaps you could keep a handkerchief or tissue in your pocket or purse for this purpose. Then extend your hand to the person you meet, whether they've extended theirs or not. When you shake hands, match the strength of your grip to theirs. Don't forget to make eye contact. Release after a couple of shakes.
Speak aloud the name of the person you are introduced to. You can add "Nice to meet you" before or after their name. Everyone likes to hear their own name. Plus saying their name will show that you are paying attention, and it will help you to remember it.
Job interviews require you to make a powerful, positive first impression. Do this by smiling, making eye contact, shaking hands and saying their name. Your first impression will be a lasting one.
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #3: Use body language that shows you are enthusiastic, confident, and comfortable with the interview process.
Job interviews can seem like intimidating situations, but as the old saying goes, "Never let 'em see you sweat." Walk into the room in a manner that exudes confidence and control. Not timid, but also not rushed. Just like you're walking up to greet a friend.
After the greetings (discussed under Strategy #2), sit when and where they indicate. (I use the term "they" because many interviews are conducted by a panel of 3-5 people instead of just one person. But these strategies will apply no matter how many people are interviewing you.) Sit properly. This means showing good posture, sitting up straight and looking attentive. Do not slouch or lean way back and clasp your hands behind your head to indicate how "comfortable" you are! Do sit comfortably (you may be there a while) and don't sit on the edge of the chair as if you're eager to run away. Do not fidget. (Sheesh! Who thought something as simple as sitting down could get so complicated?)
Job interviews can involve a panel of people asking you questions. If there is more than one person asking questions, face that person and make eye contact when you answer them. But then extend your eye contact to everyone in the room if your answer is longer than a few seconds. You're speaking to all of them, not just the person who asked the question.
Remember to smile!
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #4: Be yourself, but only up to a point.
Let your personality show, but don't overdo it. Match your demeanor to that of the interviewers. For instance, if they joke around a bit to break the ice, go with it but don't laugh insincerely. Don't tell any jokes yourself. If you have a sense of humor and you've deduced that the interviewers do, too, you can use this in some of your answers (to a certain extent and when appropriate). You want to present yourself as a serious professional but also someone who easily gets along with others and is a pleasure to work with. You want to be likeable but never phony.
Also, you want to exude confidence but never arrogance.
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #5: Answer questions clearly and confidently.
Because you've prepared in advance and anticipated many of the questions, your answers should be clear, concise and confident. Do not mumble or speak in a voice too quiet to be heard. You don't want the interviewer to ask you to speak up or repeat your answer.
Do not ramble. Give enough detail to sufficiently answer the question and then stop talking.
One of the great advantages of anticipating questions and practicing your answers in advance is that you can "edit" them before the actual interview. Many companies limit the interview time to 20 minutes or less. You want your answers to be short, focused and to the point. If you're not sure you've given enough information, simply ask, "Did I answer that sufficiently for you, or would you like more details?"
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #6: After answering their questions, ask some yourself.
Remember those questions you thought of during your PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGIES phase? When the interview starts to wind down and they ask if you have any questions for them, be sure to speak up. In addition to the questions you thought of in advance, you might have a few based on how the interview went. If you want clarification about the job or the hiring process, ask now. Do not ask questions related to salary, vacation time, etc. Save those for after they offer you the job.
Your last comment should be that you feel you would be a good asset for the company and you definitely want the job. Don't forget this!
DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #7: Exit gracefully.

Job Interview Strategies
You Use AFTER the Interview
Can Make the Difference!

Congratulations! The hardest part (the actual interview) is behind you. But that doesn't mean you can just wait around for the phone to ring. You've still got work to do that will further enhance your chances of getting that job!


POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #1: Immediately send a Thank-You Letter.
Write a thank-you letter as soon as you get home from the interview. You'll use it for several purposes:
(1) To re-emphasize that you really want the job. This is assuming, of course, that you do want the job. If, after the interview, you don't think it's the right job for you, don't bother sending a thank-you letter.
(2) To provide further explanation of something discussed at the interview. For example, if there was some discussion of your leadership skills but you forget to mention a great example from a previous job, put this in your letter.
(3) To say thank you. You really should be thankful. There may have been dozens (or even hundreds) of applicants for that position. Even though your qualifications are what got you the interview, be humble and appreciate the opportunity you were given to show them in person what a wonderful asset to the company you will make!
(4) To take another opportunity to make yourself shine in comparison to the other candidates. A short thank-you letter can be written in less than 30 minutes, but only a small percentage of job seekers actually bother doing this. So by sending this letter, you will create another favorable impression that sets you above the rest.
If you're not sure who to address the letter to, call the Human Resources person who scheduled your interview. Get the names (and spelling) and mailing address of whoever conducted the interview.
Your letter can be handwritten, but I'd only recommend this if you have wonderful handwriting. If in doubt, do it on a computer.
It's better to send it as a regular letter through the mail than to do it by e-mail. People get so much email these days they may ignore yours. As email becomes more popular, real letters become rarer, and thus more special. A letter will get their attention when an email message may not. But send your letter as soon as possible. You want it to arrive before they've made their final decision.
POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #2: Don't be shy about making follow-up calls.
It's often sad but true that many companies take forever to fill a position, and keeping applicants informed of the process is a low priority for them. They may tell you after the interview that they'll make a decision within two or three days, and let you know either way. Hah! Don't count on it! They will call you if you are selected, of course. But the process may take longer than expected. And if you are not their number-one choice, they'll take their time in sending out your "notice of non-selection" (if they bother sending one at all).
So don't wait -- take action! If the allotted time has passed and you haven't heard anything, call the company and ask about the status of that job.
POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #3: Don't worry, be happy.
If you've followed the strategies you've learned, the chances are very good that you will be selected for the position. But should wondering about it keep you up at night? No. The process is now out of your hands, so worrying about it won't do you any good. There are only two possible outcomes. Either you got the job and you will be notified in due time; or you didn't get the job.
Even if you didn't get selected for that particular position, don't consider this as a "failure" -- it is not. No interview is a failure, or a waste of your time. Each one should be considered a valuable opportunity to practice and sharpen your interviewing skills.
And if you believe in "fate," maybe you just weren't meant to get that job because a better one is waiting for you!
POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #4: Negotiate your salary when you are offered the job.

Sometimes salaries are set; you take the job, you take the stated salary. But other times the salary is open to negotiation and the employer has a range to work with, based on your skills and experience. Most often you will be offered the lowest salary in that range. But don't be afraid to request a higher starting salary, particularly if your skills and experience warrant it. There is a fine art to salary negotiation. For more information.