How to Ace an Interview

Congratulations! You've overcome every hurdle encountered so far and have been invited to interview with the hiring authority.

If ever there was a time to put your best foot forward, this is it. Knowing how to ace an interview all the way from first impression to parting remarks can win you the job.

Approach your two goals for this meeting in order. First make the hiring manager want you as an employee. Then decide whether the opportunity is a good fit. That's called having options.

The secret to making the hiring manager want you is in your personal presentation; the controlling factor for the overall impression you make and leave with the interviewer.

What do I mean by personal presentation?

I mean your attitude and demeanor. How you dress; how you speak; what you say; how you act; your non-verbal communications; and your overall attitude all combine to create your personal presentation.

How to Ace an Interview

When it comes to getting an offer a polished appearance is as important as a polished resume. To achieve a polished appearance dress appropriately; be well groomed (styled hair, clean nails, clean pressed clothes, polished shoes); be conservative with jewelry (take out nose or eye brow rings); cover tattoos; and above all have fresh breath.

Getting all of these things right may not get you the job, but getting them wrong could easily cost you an offer. First impressions are lasting.

Experienced interviewers are able to put people at ease. You want to be at ease, but don't be overly familiar. Don't call the interviewer by her first name unless invited to do so.

Stay on topic with your conversation. Don't reveal irrelevant too personal details. Be grammatically correct. Pronounce words correctly. Avoid using slang.

You are on equal footing with the interviewer. Remember, you're deciding whether you want them too. You are not in a subservient position so don't take that role. (Even if you would ultimately be reporting to this person if you accept the job.)

Convey your confidence in your ability to do the job. Your confidence will help the hiring manager have confidence in your ability as well. At the end of the interview, if you decide the position is a good match, confidently state your interest in the job and your ability to do it.

For Example:

"After speaking with you I'm even more excited about this opportunity because I know I could excel in this role."

Prepare well by reviewing and implementing the interviewing tips offered in Interviewing Do's and Don'ts, Common Interview Questions, and Questions to ask of the Interviewer. Doing your homework will give you confidence.

You will have already researched the company. Now research the hiring manager. (Doing a Google search and going to LinkedIn are good places to start.) Knowing something about the person in advance of your meeting will help you relax.

Don't let desperation come through. No matter how badly you might need a job, you still don't know if this is the job. Maintain your objectivity so you can make a smart decision about whether the position is a good fit. Desperation will work against you.

Remember you have complete control over what you say and do in the interview. Controlling what you can gives you an employment edge. There is nothing to fear.

To make a good first impression when you first meet anyone, look the person in the eye, smile (with both your eyes and your mouth), and step toward the person with your right hand stretched out for a hand shake.

Shake hands firmly (thumb to thumb) but not crushingly. No limp wrists or fingers only handshakes allowed. A high smile rate, good eye contact and a firm hand shake also convey confidence.

Be positive and 'can do'. No whining allowed. Don't bash former managers or employers. In fact don't bash anyone.

Managers hire people they like. No one likes to be around doom and gloomers. Look for the silver lining in negative circumstances so you can put a positive spin on things.

Deliver your career profile without sounding rehearsed. You can do this with practice. Know your subject (You!) inside and out.

Practice, practice, practice talking out loud about your abilities. Develop very short ‘stories’ about your accomplishments.

Share how you handled a difficult customer; closed a big sale, cleared a six month back log or saved the company money. Don't drag your story out, keep it short.

Respond to direct questions with direct answers but be conversational. Weave your stories into your answers.

Personal Presentation is an often overlooked interview secret for getting the offer. You will stand head and shoulders above the competition if you are polished, business like, confident, friendly, upbeat and articulate.

Master a job getting personal presentation and you will ace an interview to…Win the Job