by Ted Sherman

Created on: June 18, 2009

Most advice on getting an employer to hire you is so simple and based on common sense, it's a wonder why about eight out of ten job applicants get it wrong. And many of them fail miserably because they either don't understand the basic rules or choose to ignore them.

The very best advice comes from a person with more than 40 years of experience on both sides of the interview desk. So pay attention to the obvious and maybe the next time you apply for a job, you'll have a good chance of getting it.

1. Leave your attitude at home. This includes showing up for the interview in inappropriate clothing, outlandish hair, pierced jewelry, heavy tattoos and other signs of your extreme hipness. That may have worked on campus or in weekend hangouts, but for most jobs, if you show up that way, you may as well hang a sign on your back saying, Kick me ... out!

2. Unless you're applying for a job in a tattoo parlor or with a punk band, wear business clothing. For women, a modest dress or pants suit. For men, a suit or sports jacket and slacks. Hair should at least look like its original color and be neatly and modestly arranged.

3. If necessary, before you go to the interview, do practice runs with family or friends. Prepare to answer quickly and correctly questions about your education, previous work experience, skills and other information. Do some homework about the company where you're applying, and be prepared to answer questions about it, and especially how you can fit in as a new employee. Don't make any big promises or offer information beyond your knowledge. It is best not to volunteer anything, but to just answer questions.

4. Get your answers down pat, so you can give them in a calm, intelligent voice. If your speech patterns are full of ya know, uhs, like, he goes and other annoying habits, work to get rid of them. If you have access to a video or audio tape set-up, do your practice interviews and watch them carefully for poor grammar and other annoying mannerisms you may not be aware of.

5. Usually, before you're invited in for an interview, you've already sent in a resume and application letter. Keep them both short, preferably one page each. When you're being interviewed, if appropriate, bring with you and be prepared to show other items, such as samples of your work, certificates, diplomas and letters of recommendation.

6. Recognize when the interview is over. You may not be the only candidate there that day. Get up and offer a few words of appreciation and leave. Don't hang back, especially to ask if you have the job, salary and promotion potential or when you'll be notified about the decision to hire you or not. Do that in your follow-up process.

7. Of course, follow up the interview with a phone call and/or email to the interviewer. In addition to offering thanks for the consideration, you may ask to be notified when the hiring decision will be made. If you know you're being considered seriously for the job, ask the interviewer to give you specifics on when to report for work, pay, benefits and other job-related information.

If you always keep in mind that a job interview can be a life-changing event, and if you don't put your very best effort into those few minutes, you may regret it for the rest of your life.

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