7 Successful Interviewing Tips

Under30Careers | October 1, 2012 | 1 Comment

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a current job seeker, having impeccable interviewing skills is necessary for success.

To ensure your interview is a success, follow these seven steps.

Dress to Be Remembered - Avoid wearing the typical interview uniform, the all black suit with no personality or character. When dressing for an interview wear something that will make the interviewer remember who you are. You can dress conservatively stylish. Men, wear a distinctive tie or for ladies a scarf that will add character to your wardrobe. Look professional but avoid boring attire.
Make Eye Contact - When you first meet your interviewer you have less than 30 seconds to make a great first impression. The worst thing you can do is give a weak handshake and avoid eye contact. Make eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview process.
Talk at a Steady Pace - When you are being interviewed your nerves can get the best of you and cause you to talk extremely fast. It is important that while you are being interviewed you talk at a constant pace.
Know your Resume - This may seem like a no-brainer; however, not only should you know what is on your resume, you should know each and every number listed on your resume. For example, if you spoke with 40 customers a day at Company X you should be able to quote that number in your interview. Also, you should have completed enough company research to answer each question with Company X’s needs in mind. That way your answers help the interviewer to see you as a great fit for their organization.
Tell a Story - When you are answering interview questions be sure to tell a story. You should give them a brief background, introduction, climax, and conclusion with your interview answer. Your answers should paint a picture in their mind that will stick. (Assuming your completing a behavioral interview)
Answer the Questions Asked - Be sure you are answering the question that is being ask of you. Don’t oversell your accomplishments, tell the 100% truth about your skills and abilities and allow the facts of your success to draw them into your skills, passion, and personality. Allow them to draw conclusions about you based on what you’ve done. Be sure to give them sufficient evidence as to why you’re the perfect candidate for the position.
Leave Some Collateral - Never leave the interviewer empty handed. I recommend to my clients that they come with a well written resume on resume paper to leave behind. I also suggest creating a biography that will give the interviewer a personal look into your professional life. When I was interviewing I brought a marketing plan with me to leave behind that showed a marketing plan I wrote for a former client. This helped me to stand out. Whether you leave a spectacular resume, marketing plan, or biography never leave them empty handed. Once you leave let your professional collateral speak for you.