INTERVIEW = INNERVIEW

 Before we talk about how to prepare for an interview, let me be honest with you. Interview posts aren’t always the easy route to take.Sometimes preparing for interviews takes great effort and preparation.

Even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count, job interviewing never seems to get any easier. With each job interview, you are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. And, you need to stay upbeat and enthusiastic through it all. This can be a challenge, especially when you're interviewing for a job you would love to get hired for.

The more time you take in advance to get ready, the more comfortable you'll feel during the actual interview.

Remember, though, that a job interview is not an exam: you don’t need to study for hours on end

Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired

1. Practice and Prepare

       Your answers should also emphasize the skills that are most important to the employer and relevant to the position. Be sure to review the job listing, make a list of the requirements

 In almost every interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. It is important to have at least one or two questions prepared in order to demonstrate your interest in the organization. Otherwise, you might come across as apathetic, which is a major turnoff for hiring managers.

2. Develop a Connection With the Interviewer

In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection with your interviewer. Know the interviewer's name, and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very carefully during introductions.

3. Research the Company, and Show What You Know

Do your homework and research the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the interview question, "What do you know about this company?" If this question is not asked, you should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.

You should be able to find out a lot of information about the company’s history, mission and values, staff, culture, and recent successes on its website. If the company has a blog and a social media presence, they can be useful places to look, too.

4. Get Ready Ahead of Time

Don't wait until the last minute to pick out an interview outfit, print extra copies of your resume, or find a notepad and pen. Have one good interview outfit ready, so you can interview on short notice without having to worry about what to wear.

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy, and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with extra copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note-taking.

If you're interviewing virtually, have all the technology set and ready in advance. Do a trial run to be sure everything is working properly, and you're comfortable with it.

5. Be on Time (That Means Early)

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Take into account the time of your interview so you can adjust for local traffic patterns at that time. Give yourself a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your outfit, and calm your nerves.

6. Try to Stay Calm

During the job interview, try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Remember that your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper preparation will allow you to exude confidence:

• As you answer questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
• Be sure to pay attention to the question so that you don’t forget it, and listen to the entire question (using active listening) before you answer, so you know exactly what the interviewer is asking.
• Avoid cutting off the interviewer at all costs, especially when he or she is asking questions.

7. Follow-Up After the Interview

Always follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.

If you interview with multiple people from the same company, send each one a personal note. Send your thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.

Bonus Tips

Avoid These Common Interview Mistakes

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate looking for employment can make.

Take the time to review these mistakes before your interview, so you don't have to stress out about blunders after it.