Getting your foot in the door and the chance to interview for the job you want is half the battle and sometimes the hardest part. Being prepared and confident makes the difference in getting the job or not in many cases. Be positive, there was something about your resume, voice or attitude on the phone that was interesting and therefore had the recruiter want to learn more.

Keep in mind the interview is a two way street. It's important to not only have the interviewer feel you are a good addition to the company but you need to feel they have what you're looking for. Remember, it's not just about getting the job but keeping it, excelling at it and being happy.

Know the company you are interviewing for. What they do, what they stand for. The research you spend in advance can save time and disappointment later. Understanding the history of the company can also help you in understanding the future of the company.

Follow these tips below and your chances of landing that dream job will be better then ever.

Dress for Success.

It's cliched but there is nothing worse then a person coming for a job interview that is sloppy. You do not need an expensive outfit but make sure it is clean, neat and fits you right, nothing too tight or too loose. Make sure you are groomed as well. Clean nails, hair neat and clean and smell nice too. Don't go overboard on the cologne or perfume though; you never know the tastes of the person interviewing you. There is nothing worse then being in a closed up office with someone that has an over powering smell of perfume. Women, lay off the flashy jewelry or nail polish and make up as well, it could be too distracting.

Arrive early

You never want to keep the interviewer waiting. If something should happen to make you late, call in and let them know.

Keep good eye contact and body language

Shake hands firmly when first meeting. Face the interviewer, keep good eye contact but don't stare, lean in, tilt head a bit to show interest and smile. Answer questions honestly and avoid embellishing on experience if you don't have it, it will be clear once you start the job if you get it.

Ask questions

Make sure the schedules are such that you can manage them. Don't talk about issues like babysitting problems or negatives that can be corrected like you get cranky when things don't go smooth.

Try to add comments or questions showing the research you've done. This impresses the interviewer and shows that you are serious in the company and job.

Once the interview is over. Thank them for their time. Ask when they will be making a decision.

The follow up is important and can make a huge difference. Send the interviewer a thank you note, something simple, the day of the interview. .

Sometime the job will be given to someone else. If this is the case and you still want to work with the company, be gracious. Thank them again for the time and for getting back to you. Let them know that you are still interested in working at the company and to keep you in mind if another position comes up they feel you would be qualified for.

Do not get discouraged. Remember, looking for a job is a process and often times missing out on one job opens the door for something much better!

Learn more about this author, beth king.
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