Preparing for a Successful Interview

What to Expect
It helps to understand that there are usually three main components to a job interview:

1. First impression. You will leave a good (or not so good) first impression with your interviewer and any staff you might meet in 15 seconds or less. Your interviewer will form an opinion as soon as you meet.
   
   
2. Questions from your interviewer. The company representative wants to learn as much as possible about you, your qualifications and your professional behaviour by asking meaningful questions.
   
   
3. Questions from you. Attend your interview with some prepared questions that display your professional expertise and knowledge about the company. And by listening closely to your interviewer, you can also use the information provided to construct thoughtful questions to emphasize your interest.

These components are important and can be critical to your interviewer's decision. Interviewers must decide to invite you back for additional meetings, eliminate you from consideration or make an offer of employment.

Tips for a Successful Interview
Here are some interview techniques that can help you stand out from the rest, regardless of the position you are applying for, or the company or industry you're considering.

• Be on time. Don’t take any chances of being late. Start early, have a map handy or your GPS working, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This gives you time to find your interview location, visit the restroom to “polish” yourself, get a bit more comfortable, and relax.
  
  
• Dress appropriately. Even if you know that this company has turned casual Friday into casual Monday through Friday, dress in traditional business attire. Never deviate from this unless the interviewer specifically tells you that different attire would be more appropriate.
  
  
• Know the specific job responsibilities desired by the employer. This will help you prepare your questions and provide intelligent responses to the interviewer’s questions.
  
  
• Project confidence and self-assurance. You might not feel that way, but present yourself with confidence in your abilities and experience. This will help reassure the interviewer of your expertise.

Chances are you will only have about 45 minutes to an hour to display your qualifications, personality and suitability for the position and the company. Making a great first impression will help to set a positive tone for the rest of the interview, but your research and preparation will help you through the remainder of your interview, and help you stand out from your competition.

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