How to Ace a Job Interview

To prepare for the interview, conduct mock interviews in front of a mirror or with the help of a friend. This rehearsal will help you internalize your answers and provide prac-tice with keeping eye contact and answering a range of questions likely to be asked dur-ing the real interview.

Be sure to include some tough questions, such as: What’s your greatest weakness? Be honest, but be prepared to indicate how you have rectified any deficiencies — for example, “I used to have trouble managing my time when juggling multiple projects, but now I use technology to help keep me organized.”

If the workplace dress code where you are interviewing is “business casual,” then you should be dressed a step up from that. A suit is always acceptable. Wearing neutral gray works well for a number of different complexions, and blue is also a great color. A man should never wear black as it comes across as being too formal. And, ladies: No bare legs or large overpowering jewelry, like chunky necklaces or dangling earrings. And this is not the day to try out a new hairdo. You want the interviewer to remember you, not what you are wearing.

Make sure to turn off your cell phone — please, no texting! — and have adequate note-paper and a pen or two. I always tell my clients that the interview actually begins as soon as they walk out their front door.

During your interview, stay alert and engaged. This is your opportunity to obtain detailed and vital information about the company and whether it will be a good fit.

Make sure to answer any question that is asked, but don’t volunteer information. If the interviewer begins your interview with, “So, tell me about yourself,” have a concise an-swer that directly speaks to your having the requisite job skills. If it’s a sales job, the interviewer might be looking for someone with the ability to communicate well, set goals, stay on track, and handle rejection. Your answer might be: “I am an extrovert who interacts well with people. I like to set goals and keep them, and I’m very persistent.”

Other approaches might be to talk about where you last worked — what inspired you most, or how you handled a challenging project — or to indicate why you want to work for that particular company. It’s permissible to ask, “Where would you like for me to start?” At the end of the interview, if you are asked if you have any questions, you should always ask at least one. Prepare at least five questions ahead of time, so that if several are answered during the course of the interview, you will still have more in your arsenal.

Ask the interviewer how you did (“Do you think this job would be a good fit for me?”). Under no circumstance should you ever walk out of an interview saying, “I think it went well.”

Never discuss salary during a first interview. If asked what your salary requirements are, respond with, “If you feel I’m the right fit for the job, I’m sure you will make me the best possible offer.”

What about you? What was your experience with job interviews? We would love to hear more about it!