Tips to improve your Interview skills

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company

Dress professionally in a conservative color/style business suit, conservative makeup, jewelry, shined shoes…There is nothing like a first impression.If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much

Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may ramble when answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language

It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don't Be Cocky

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.Keep a smile on your face and show enthusiasm in the opportunity.

Take Care to Answer the Questions

When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they are asking behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions

When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't Appear Desperate

When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Reflect the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confidence. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.
Prepare a thank you card/email as soon as you return home expressing your appreciation of their time and your interest in the position. Call Hire Excellence IMMEDIATELY following your interview. 

COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

•  Tell me about yourself. (Business only)

•  What are your strengths and weaknesses?

•  What type of boss would you like to work for?

•  What activities in your current position do you like most? Least?

•  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

•  What qualifies you for this position? Why do you want to work for us?

•  Please tell me what your most significant accomplishment is in your career.

•  Why are you looking for a new opportunity? (Be positive)

•  What salary are you seeking at this time?

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO ASK OF THE JOB INTERVIEWER:

(Nothing about money or benefits!)

•  Please describe a typical day in the role of this position.

•  What about this organization attracted you to it?

•  What have you enjoyed most about working at this company?

•  What did you like most about the qualifications/work performance in your former employee? What area would you have liked to see improved?

•  Is there anything further I could share to assist you in making your hiring decision?