by Debbie Roeser

Created on: February 13, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

The interview is the most important part of the job search. When you are talking to a potential employer, remember that people enjoy talking about themselves. Before going on your interview, you should do some research on the company that your are wanting to work for. During your interview you should ask questions.

Never forget to respect your interviewers time. You should avoid rambling on and just ask for the job. This will let them know that you realize that time is money. It will also let them know that you really want the job.

According to many top interviewers, they will recall about twenty percent of what they hear and ninety percent of what they feel. The impressions that you make at the interview will depend much more on how you act than what you say.
You should be confident, relaxed, and eager. Be calm and enjoy yourself. Remeber, you will most likely hear no before you hear yes. If you lighten up so will the interviewer. These qualities will go a long
way in helping you to get your job.

Keep in mind that job hunting is not easy. You will most likely have to go through many doors before you will finally get that job. Before you begin your search, you should set a quota. Convince yourself that you will be speaking with many different people. Choose a number-maybe
fifty. Then tell yourself that you will not become discouraged until you have spoken with at least that many people.

THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR YOUR INTERVIEW:

1.) When you are meeting someone for the first time, you will make an impression even before you begin to speak. People will judge you by your appearance even before they know your talents. Nonverbal communication is the first and greatest source of impression. What you choose to wear is a major part of what message you will send.

2.) Facial Expression: After your overall appearance, your face will be the most visible part of you. Facial expressions are what most people will rely on in initial interactions. This is the source from which
people will read your personality and your mood.

In the interview setting, a smile is an important key to presenting a positive first impression staring can communicate a negative first impression.

3.) entrance: The way you enter your interview can influence the image that you project. The way that you carry yourself will set the stage for everything that will come next. A nervous entrance may ruin you chances for getting the job. To make a favorable impression; hold your head up, avoid slumping, and project self assurance.

4.) Your Voice: The tone of your voice, the rate of speed at which you speak, and the volume of your speech will contribute greatly to your verbal message. Even though there is no ideal voice for your interview, your voice should reflect these four qualities: confidence, enthusiasm, optimism, and sincerity.

5.)Your Handshake: When you are meeting your interviewer, the handshake will be the only physical contact between you. This handshake can communicate warmth and strength or it can communicate indifference and
weakness. The message that you send the other party with your handshake will depend on the combination of the following:

* degree of firmness
* degree of dryness of the hand
* duration of the grip
* depth of the interlock
* eye contact during the handshake

I hope that these few tips will help you to get the most out of your next interview. Good-luck and keep trying. All the efforts you put out in your interviews will be worth it when you finally hear the words, YOUR HIRED!

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