Every time you land an interview, you should give yourself a pat on the back. Being invited for an interview is a good indication that people are not only looking at your résumé, but considering you as a qualified candidate for a position. The rest is up to you. An interview is essentially what makes or breaks a deal and helps you land the position you really want. The interview essentially helps an employer identify if you are the right candidate for the job and whether or not you would be a good fit with the organization.
- Prepare your 30 second introduction (elevator pitch)- which should basically answer the "Tell me about yourself?" question - include in your elevator pitch your educational background, experience, related skills, career interests and how your long- term and short-term goals relate to the position or opportunities offered within a given organization
- Memorize your resume
- Have a firm handshake
- Remember to smile and show enthusiasm
- Consistently make good eye contact with all interviewers
- Be prepared with your 30-second introduction (elevator pitch)
- Limit your responses to no more than 2–3 minutes per question
- Identify specific skills as they relate to the job
- Answer questions about work style
- Provide examples that illustrate or demonstrate a specific skill or function
- Be ready to handle situation/behavioral questions utilizing the STAR (situation, task, action, result) approach