by Cody Hodge

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: January 05, 2010

The job interview is the most important part of the job search process. Writing a resume is a great way to make an informal pitch to a company about yourself, indicating what you have done and what experience you have. While having a great resume is a sure way to get yourself an interview, the interview itself says so much more about who you are as a professional.

The job interview is the first chance you have to make an impression on an employer. When an employer reads a resume, they may like you, but have questions as to whether you may fit in, or whether or not you are the most qualified for the job in a crowded field of candidates. There may be other times when an employer likes you, and the only reason for a face to face meeting may just be to make an offer and iron out details. I actually had an interview where both were true, the employer had a few questions, but during the interview actually made an offer.

Since you usually will not have an idea as to which way an employer may be leaning during an interview, what can you do to make sure you have a good interview?

Preparation is the key to a good interview. In fact, preparation is the key to success in anything in life, knowing what your expectations are, and how to conduct yourself in an interview are key. So without further ado, here are a few tips.

1) Show up a few minutes early! In my experience, the interviewer is typically the run running a few minutes late, but always be the first one ready, this shows that you are ready to go, or at least gives the impression that you are ready to go.

2) Bring extra copies of your resume, and some paper and a writing utensil. Usually the person doing the interview will have a copy of your resume, but it never hurts to have a copy that you can reference in case you need to look up a detail that you can't remember when answering any questions. I have had to peruse my resume before to answer the interviewer's questions, and on one occasion it actually saved the interview. Also having some paper and a pen is nice to have in case you think there will be a second interview and there are some notes that you may need to reference later.

3) Smile! Companies love enthusiastic people, and nothing says enthusiasm like a good smile. Don't overdo it, but looking like you want to be there helps assuage the fears of anyone who thinks you may not totally be into getting this particular job.

4) Be professional. When asked about why you left, or are considering leaving another company, just say that you think you have an opportunity for career growth with the new company, or just say you are looking for a new challenge. Always be positive or gracious toward previous employers, and never say bad things about people in the past.

If you take these simple tips, chances are that you will have a good shot at getting the job. Always make sure that you practice beforehand, and that you are comfortable with the questions you will most likely be asked, and make sure you have some good answers practiced for any questions that may seem like tricks. I had one interviewer ask me if there was ever a time when me and a manager disagreed on philosophy and what I did about it. Instead of saying that I respected my manager and did what I was asked while keeping my personal opinions out of work, I basically blasted him, and that cost me a job I really wanted at the time.

Preparation is the key to getting a job, so be ready! Be professional, and never say anything bad, be on your best behavior! Remember too, if you don't get the job to follow up with a thank you letter, it shows professionalism and that you can take adversity, in case the job opens up again and the company reconsiders you for the opening.

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