Acing the Job Interview

Think of an interview like an audition - your appearance and performance are critical if you want to land the part. Your potential employer not only wants to know how your education and experience will benefit them, they want to ensure you're a good "fit" with their corporate culture. To make a great impression, the real you has to shine through. So don't try to be something you're not - just focus on putting your best foot forward.

Research the part

The key is to go into the interview prepared. Have a solid understanding of the company and the position.

Look at the company's website and annual report, paying special attention to the language used in the vision, mission and goals. Begin to consider how your experiences and attitude reflect these attributes, and be ready to incorporate these thoughts into your interview answers.
Search the Internet for any news about the company. Finding out about recent developments, such as new product launches or corporate expansions, could help you get the inside track on some great answers.
Find out the dress code. Even if your interview falls on a "casual Friday", dress conservatively and professionally - aim for one level above the company standard.

Prepare your lines

The interview should flow naturally, but that doesn't mean you can improvise. You should have a good idea of what you're going to say before you show up.

To get started, read the job description carefully to see what type of experience and skills the position requires.

Then, isolate five or six of the skills listed and match each one with a story that shows you have that attribute. Reference your schoolwork, summer jobs, extra-curricular activities and volunteer experience.

For example:

As a member of the student union, you have leadership and teamwork stories.
As a soccer player, you have examples of teamwork and working under pressure.
Your group projects demand teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Canvassing for a charity demonstrates time management, organizational skills and the ability to take initiative.

If you are armed with these examples, you can handle just about anything the interviewer throws at you.

These success stories can be especially handy in what are called "behavioural" interviews. In this type of interview, you will be asked to describe your experience as it specifically relates to a desired skill.

An example of a behavioural question would be: "Tell me about a time when you had to work as a member of a team to meet a tight deadline." You can also expect a few traditional questions such as:

"Why do you think you are the best person for the job?"
"What are your best qualities?"
"What are some areas you think you could improve?"

Keep your answers professional and job-related and make sure any "challenges" or "areas of improvement" you highlight can be overcome with practice and/or experience.

Another tip: Remember to print out extra copies of your resumé for each of your interviewers. They may only have text-based versions from a database or a job board.

Also, bring a list of your references because if the interview goes really well, you might be asked for them. By having the list there, you'll appear organized and prepared ... because you are!

Play the part

Remember, you have only about 20 seconds to make a really good first impression with your interviewer. So you want to steal the spotlight right off the bat.

Stand tall, shake hands firmly, smile, make eye contact and speak with confidence. When the questions start, take your time answering them - it's not a race.

Being prepared with answers shows your interest and enthusiasm, while being prepared with questions demonstrates your knowledge and foresight.

Some acceptable questions to ask an interviewer include:

What are the most challenging aspects of this position?
Why is the position available / why did the last employee leave?

In your questions, you can demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its products and services. (Remember the great research you did? It pays off here.) Ask specifically about how these things relate directly to the position.

And don't forget to bring a note pad and pen to record the answers!

The encore

Surprisingly, only about 1 in 10 people follow up after an interview. If you want to make a lasting impression, here's your chance.

After the interview, summarize the questions and answers all around. If there's something you want to clarify or expand on, make note of it. Consider calling, e-mailing, or sending a handwritten note to your interviewer.

Thank them for their time, include any additional comments and indicate that you look forward to your next meeting. Send it that day.

Keep on trying

Even the best actors don't land every part, so it's OK if you don't walk out of each interview with a job offer. There will always be a next time.

Stay true to yourself, keep plugging away and you'll be playing a starring role in your own career before you know it.

The information in this article is general only; it is not intended as specific investment, financial, accounting, legal or tax advice for any individual.