10 Tips for Interview Success

Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So here are my Top 10 Tips to enhance your interviewing skills. 1.) Dress for the Job or Company Today's casual dress codes DO NOT give you permission to dress casual when you interview. It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something casual depends on the company and the position you are seeking. I always suggest that you ask the company about their dress code before the interview. 2.) Practice Good Non-verbal Communication Habits

It's all about demonstrating confidence! So practice standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake not the wet fish that demonstrates your "True" interest. The handshake is the first nonverbal impression that can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

3.) How Well Do you Listen? From the very first word of the interview, the Interviewer is giving you information about the company you are potentially working for. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said.

4.) Don't Appear Desperate

When you interview with "Please, please hire me" , you appear desperate and less confident. Reflect the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confidence. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too!

5.) Don't Be Cocky ..you really DON'T know it ALLLLL!

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and yes...modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved. No matter what your experience looks like on a resume, you can ALWAYS learn more.

6.) Don't Talk Too Much Telling an interviewer more than he/she needs to know is a fatal mistake! When you have not prepared ahead of time, you have a tendency to ramble when answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job!! Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information. Also I know of employers that ask uncomfortable questions to illicit a reaction. Answer honestly.

7.) Use Appropriate Language It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. But also speak to the level of the interviewer. If the interviewer seems scientific and speasking in professional technologically sound conversation, dont be afraid to admit you are not quite clear of what they are trying to convey. Also, be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

8.) Take Care to Answer the Questions When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, such as handling a difficult situation, they are asking behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

9.) Ask Questions When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No."

Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Even if you have to write them down to bring to the Interview with you. Asking questions gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information. and my favorite Tip of all...

10.) Be Honest with Yourself and the Interviewer

If you remember earlier I wrote not to be desperate when you are looking for a job. Choosing who to work for MUST be about more then how much money you are going to make or what perks you are going to receive an an employee. A job should be more about your passion then just a career. You have spent time and money to get where you are through education, sacrifices of time and the costs associated with being a professional. There is NEVER any harm in declining a position. Why would you want to go to work for a company that is not aliging with your needs and the needs of say your family and earning potential? ***********

I will be sharing these ten (10) tips and discussing them more in depth on an upcoming Periscope discussion. If you have a Twitter account please follow me at "TheSkinCoachAZ" where I will be hosting morning "Scoping" events to those interested!

Stay Blessed. Be Pono and ALWAYS Remember to Pay it Forward!

^j^