by Jeanette Lizondro

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2010

So you think you may have found the perfect job and the company of your dreams. You have managed to schedule an interview to further discuss your qualifications. How do you convince the interviewer that you are the person they are looking for? The goal is to make the interviewer want to hire you today and forget about all the other applicants. Your resume shows that you are the person they need, but how do you translate that during the interview. There are several key steps that must be followed in order to shine like a star on the center stage of the interview process.

1. First impressions are lasting impressions. Arrive early and well prepared. Dress professionally, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact at all times. Show interest in the company and maintain a fun and outgoing disposition.

2. Educate yourself about the company. How long have they been in business? Who are the officers/directors? Who are their clients? What is their mission statement? This will help you make more educated questions during the interview and it will show your interest in the company.

3. Educate yourself about the position you are applying for? Compare the requirements and job description to your own professional experiences, education and strengths. See how you can relate your work history and strenghts to the position. Ask specific questions about the position. How long has the position been open? Who is the head of the department? How many people work in the specific department?

4. Discuss your problem solving skills. No employer expects their employees to be 100% perfect at all times. Mistakes will happen. It is very important to show the potential employer that you are able to solve problems both internally (coworkers) and externally (clients). Many times it is not the mistake that counts, but how it was handled and resolved. Show examples of how past problems were resolved and how future situations may be handled.

5. Be positive. Discuss all the positive things about previous employers, supervisors, managers and coworkers and stay away from all the negatives. You don't want to give the impression that you are a negative person. Remember that what might be a negative to you might not be a negative for the potential employer.

6. Follow the interview with a thank you note and again mention your interest in the company.

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