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Interveiw Quick TIps!

The interview levels the playing field. No matter where you went to school, no matter what your GPA is, no matter how much experience you have, no matter who you know--if you aren't able to interview successfully, you won't get the job. Following are some insights designed to help you successfully interview and get the job you want--and then negotiate the very best job offer!

Thank-You Salutations
When writing an interview thank-you note, do you find yourself stuck on whether to use a formal ("Dear Ms. Jones:") or informal ("Dear Lisa:") salutation? If the work environment is ultra-corporate or the hiring manager is in a high position of authority, use a formal salutation. If the environment is casual and/or the hiring manager would be more of a peer, use an informal salutation. Follow any stated preferences, such as if the hiring manager suggests using her first name. When in doubt, use a formal salutation.

Check in During Interviews
Some of your best stories probably take time to detail, but your initial interview answers should be brief. Check in with the interviewer after two minutes and prompt an invitation to go on. Say something like, "Now that I've described the outcome of my work on that project, would you like to hear about my role in detail?"

Answer Briefly
When it comes to talking during an interview, sometimes less is more. As a general rule, you should speak one-third of the time and definitely no more than half of the time. The best interviews have a give-and-take atmosphere. To do this, you need to ask questions and try to draw out your interviewer rather than talking about yourself nonstop. When it's your turn to speak, don't hesitate to tout yourself -- just remember to stop talking after you do.

It's OK to Be Nervous
Not only is it OK to be nervous about an interview, but it is essential for you to accept how you feel. Telling yourself you should feel differently than you do is unrealistic and just makes you feel bad about yourself. What's the worst that can happen at an interview? For many, it would be not getting an offer. Did you ever think that maybe the job wasn't right for you? Try to look at the process as a learning experience.

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