Do you want some interview advice from an HR consultant with over twenty-five years of experience with a focus in recruiting?  I do!  When Judith offered to guest post with her tips on how to nail an interview, I jumped at the opportunity!  I hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to Find a Job: Tips on How to Succeed in an Interview

Assuming you’ve done the appropriate research on the company and the person who will be interviewing you (Google’s a wonderful thing!), below are some proven strategies that will help differentiate you from the rest.

• Dress appropriately; don’t look too prosperous, but don’t look like a bum! Cover tattoos, unless applying at a tattoo parlor or similar establishment.

• Bring your resume and a notepad to take notes.

• Be pleasant to the receptionist and everyone else you meet; they’re interviewing you too!

• Start with an equal and firm handshake.

• Watch your body language; relax in the chair, but don’t slouch; don’t fidget; look confident.

• Make eye contact.

• Use your hands to be expressive; smile when appropriate. Laugh if the interviewer makes a joke, even if it isn’t funny.

• Be aware of sloppy speech habits.

• Avoid filler words like “um”, “ah”, “OK”, “like”. Think before you speak.

• Avoid grammatical errors. Speak in complete sentences.

• Slow down. Avoid rushing to answer a question. Wait two beats before responding.

• Use power words – “I’m confident that”, “ I believe”, “My goal is”.

• Take notes, even if you’re just doodling. It makes you look conscientious.

• Ask questions; i.e. “What type of person succeeds at ABC Systems?” “What are the top priorities for this position?” Don’t ask about salary or benefits in the first interview. Wait until you’re a final candidate.

Think of a job interview as a test — the more time you spend preparing, the better the chance of a positive outcome.

Judith Marshall is President of Human Resources Consulting Services in Concord, CA, and is a Senior Associate Consultant with Merit Resource Group, located in San Ramon, CA. She is an Author, Trainer, Public Speaker, and former Human Resources Executive with over twenty years of experience. For more information about Judith, go to hrconsultingsvcs.com.

(Photo credit: bpsusf)