JOB TALK: Effective interviewing skills lead to success

As a candidate, you need the competitive edge — and that edge is effective interviewing skills.   

You only have one chance to make a first impression, so consider a professional and deliberate approach to your job search and specifically interviewing.

Be prepared for your interview. The prepared candidate has researched the prospective employer and explored the culture and vision of the company.

Be familiar with the position and the requirements of the job. A conservative approach is always suggested for attire and presentation. 

The following are the only items you will need with you at the interview,

» newly printed resumes in a portfolio or business folder.

» a list of current references,

» examples of applicable work that you have accomplished

» notepad,

» pen and

» prepared questions for the interviewer. 

Also, make certain all of your electronic devices are turned off.     

Check your references and confirm that all comments will be a positive reflection of your character, employment history and skills. Make certain all contact information is correct. The interviewer is expecting your references to be professional references or people that have experience with your employment history or within a volunteer capacity. Volunteer opportunities are a great way to build your list of professional references.             

Communication is critical for making contact between the employer and the candidate. Provide both your phone number and email address, if applicable. If you cannot have a private conversation with a potential employer, allow your voice mail to answer the call. Call the company representative back at a better time.    

Do not answer the phone with children crying, dogs barking, and the television blaring. Your voice mail greeting should be professional. The company representative does not want to listen to your favorite music or hear a lengthy personal message. Consider creating an email address specifically for your job search. Save the personal, cute, and creative email and voice mail for your friends and family.

Call to confirm the appointment the day before your scheduled interview. This demonstrates that you are a responsible, dependable and detail oriented candidate.  You want to take advantage of all opportunities to demonstrate your skill sets and value to a potential employer.

In preparation for the actual interview, practice and practice some more. 

Use typical questions and practice answering those questions with a friend.  Also practice in front of a mirror. Take a look at your own body language and demeanor.  Practice a commanding volume and tone in your voice. Practice eye contact with the interviewer. Be ready to answer questions confidently, honestly and with professionalism. Your resume has attracted attention, you have received the invitation, now it is time to sell yourself, your talents, abilities and experience directly to the interviewer.

Ideally, your interviewer will be asking you good questions, but on more than one occasion someone has gotten an interviewer that just likes to talk or one that asks closed ended questions. My advice is to give answers that will bring the focus back to you. 

Be prepared to talk about your education, your employment history, your accomplishments, your goals, your vision and how you know that you are a perfect match for this position. 

Practice until you are comfortable with your own answers. Be prepared to ask questions. Demonstrate your confidence and enthusiasm by asking questions that you have prepared.

Ask about specific responsibilities, why this position is available, the culture or structure of the team and the history of the company.

Do not ask about salary during an initial interview. Finish your questions with asking specifics about the selection process and expectations of future communication. If this is a job you are truly interested in, make a lasting impression at the end of the interview, stand up, boldly make eye contact, shake the interviewer’s hand and communicate your desire to be offered this position.

Sending a follow-up letter demonstrates excellent interview etiquette. eiterate briefly the areas that you feel are a perfect fit and what you can offer this company.    Your confident, professional communication and follow-up may give you the competitive edge over another good candidate under consideration.    

You can rest assured that developing effective interviewing skills will give you great opportunities for success in your job search.            

Harris is a contributing columnist with more than 20 years of human resources experience, along with volunteer activities including career counseling and motivational speaking. Contact her at Job_Talk@ymail.com or become a Facebook fan of Job Talk.