The Importance of the Interview

Stay calm and confident during the interview. This will come largely form good preparation and knowing your skills in regards to the company. Shy away form trying to sound witty and fresh; it may come off as stupid or immature. Answer questions concisely, but with enough information that interviewers see your ability to converse ad communicate. While a joke at the beginning of a speech may be appropriate, a joke at the beginning of an interview is not, unless it’s told by the interviewer.

A tricky question that many interviewees face is why they left (or want to leave) a previous job. Answer honestly, but leave the bashing at home. Never bad-mouth an old or current boss to your potential employer. While it is acceptable to state that there were differences of opinion between you and a previous supervisor, telling the interviewer what a lame-brained loser your old employer was is a bad idea. It reflects poorly on your character, and makes the interviewer wonder if you’re really right to wok under him or her.

The last rule is, for many of us, the most difficult. Pay attention during the interview, not just to your answers, but to the questions and atmosphere around you. You are planning to spend a considerable amount of time and devote attention and skill to the company you’re interviewing for. Check them out as they interview you; do you want to work for the people you’re speaking with? Did anything asked of you spark an intelligent question you can ask at the end of the interview? Could you work there without giving yourself an ulcer or living on anti-depression medication?

The best job interview is not just the one that results in a hire for you, but the one that results in a career in which you can be content and satisfied for several years to come. By investigating the company ahead of time, presenting yourself well in the interview and making an informed, clear-cut decision when the job is offered to you, you will find it easier to achieve that goal, even in today’s job market.