How to Nail That Job Interview

Okay, you've applied for a job and have been scheduled for an in-person interview. Your next task is to find a way to stand out from the crowd, without doing it the wrong way. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward and nail that interview.

Prepare  for the interview by doing some homework. Research the company or business, what they do, how their company ranks in the industry, how long they've been in business, their reputation in the business world, etc. When you are interviewing, your knowledge of the company may be the deciding factor in your employment. Also, do your homework on yourself. Be prepared to list examples of your accomplishments and knowledge to show why you're a good fit for the position being offered.

Keep your answers short and to the point, without being abrupt. Practice with a friend in advance of the interview and time your answers to common questions. Practice being relaxed and confident as you answer.

Always dress for success. Overdressing is better than dressing too casual. This means dressing as if you were on display, (which you are), even if the company has a reputation for being casual. This will give you the air of one who cares about his appearance and the job you are seeking. Once you've actually got the job, then you can dress as casually as your co-workers.

Always be positive. This means not only being positive about the company and the available position, but also about your former jobs. If you tell the interviewer that your last boss "had it in for you," or that you worked with "a bunch of jerks," you will automatically be eliminated from his list of prospects.

Let the interviewer know, "I really want this job." Okay, obviously you do or you wouldn't be there. But because your interviewer has never met you, does not remotely know you, he may not be able to assess your enthusiasm from your body language or tone of voice. By letting him know this in no uncertain terms, you may just give yourself the edge you need for being hired.

Follow up within one or two business days. Send a brief note to the interviewer, thanking him for talking with you. Try to bring up an area of conversation where you feel you connected with him. This is also a good spot for once again stating how much this job appeals to you. It's up to your judgment as to whether this note should be a handwritten note or an email. Good luck to you. Now, go nail that interview.