Here are some other tips that will raise your energy and your confidence.
Demeanor, and Attitude can mean a great deal in the interview.
The interview begins when the interviewer first sets eyes on you. Whether you are sitting or standing make sure that your posture portrays self-confidence. The interviewer extends a hand to shake and this is the first connection made. Make sure you give a firm, not bone-crushing handshake. This applies to shaking hands with men and women. While you are shaking the hand, check out the eye color of the person you are connecting with. Eye contact is especially important to show confidence.
Preparation will make a huge difference in your confidence.
The act of writing out your answers to difficult questions, particularly if you have a "glitch" in your resume or background, is important to sounding prepared.
Read through the job description/posting -- one, two, three times -- and then read between the lines. What are they looking for? While you're at it, check out their website and do research on the company. Read their mission statement. If it "reeks" of team building jargon, make sure you are prepared to talk about your past experiences working with teams.
Practice makes perfect.
If you rehearse your answers you will feel more confident. Use a tape recorder, watch yourself in front of a mirror, or get a friend to practice with you. Practice, practice, practice -- it will make a difference.
Enthusiasm could be the tie-breaker between you and someone else getting the job.
If there are two or more people interviewing for the same job, the one that shows passion and interest in the job could be the one chosen. This is a quality that you will have to feel and not fake. If it isn't there, it will be difficult to pretend it is. Make sure you are interviewing for jobs that are of genuine interest to you and not just somewhere to get a paycheck. You will be happier in the long run and a better performer as well.
Be Yourself
One of the factors in choosing the right person is finding out whether you are going to fit in. If you believe in yourself it will be easier for you to be yourself in the interview. Basically, would these people interviewing you want to work side-by-side with you day after day? And, would you want to work side-by-side with them? Remember, this is a two-way process. You are looking at them at the same time that they are checking you out. Turn up your intuitive powers. Listen carefully and read between the lines. Is this the right place for you?
It's OK not to get a job offer.
You won't get a job offer after every interview. It's a tough job market with lots of competition. Go to the interview and give your best performance. Once you've done that it is out of your control. Sometimes there are factors that have nothing to do with you, but will prevent you from getting that job offer. That's OK -- your turn will come eventually.
Searching for a job is not easy. You may find your emotions rising and falling like a roller coaster. It's important that you keep your morale up during this period of job search. Don't give up. Giving up is defeat and you're not a quitter!
1. Watch the interviewer's eyes.
An interviewer that is simply going through the motions will not make eye contact. Check for a glazed or glassy stare and heavy eyelids.
2. Listen carefully.
A bored or disinterested interviewer may quietly hum a tune, whistle softly, or shuffle papers repeatedly.
3. Observe actions.
Constant watch- or clock-checking, the eating of a sandwich, and lots of phone calls are all signs that a job offer is not forthcoming.
If You Are Late
1. Call ahead. If you are stuck in traffic or otherwise running late, call. Ask if you should reschedule or if you should come in anyway.
2. Clean up. If you are sweaty and disheveled, ask to use a bathroom before meeting your interviewer. If you are nervous, put anti-perspirant on your palms and face (make sure it's clear) to reduce moisture.
3. Apologize, but do not overdo it. Say you are sorry for your tardiness, but do not give a sob story: Never discuss personal information in a job interview.
If You Are Asked a Difficult or Leading Question
1. Always respond with a positive. If the interviewer says, "I see you don't have experience making coffee," counter with, "That's true, but I've always wanted to learn and I'm a quick study!"
2. Tell a personal story, but only one that relates skills applicable to the job. If the interviewer asks about project management experience and you don't have any, talk about planning your wedding: organizing vendors, designing a database, and creating seating charts based on the interests of guests.
3. Put the question off until later. If you are unable to come up with an answer, say "Can we get back to that later, I need to give it some thought?" Use this strategy only as a last resort.
If Your Interviewer Hits on You
1. Accept compliments gracefully. If an interviewer compliments your suit, blouse, or a piece of jewelry, they may simply be impressed with your appearance. Say thank you and move on. More than one compliment is inappropriate and should be deflected (below).
2. Deflect personal questions. In most states it is illegal for a job interviewer to ask personal questions, including age, marital status, children, and sexual preference. If you get such questions, gently suggest that you keep topics to professional matters.
3. Say you are not interested. If your interviewer asks you out on a date, simply say "no thanks." However, if the interview is at lunch time and things seem to be going well, it is appropriate to accept a lunch invitation (keep the conversation on business matters).
4. Accept a date only if you don't want the job. Starting a new job while being personally involved with someone in the company is not a good idea. If you make a connection with your interviewer and there is true chemistry, accept the invitation but make it clear that you do not want the job.
Be Aware
Always remember the three "C's": Cool, Calm, and Confident. An interview is as much about you wanting the job as it is about the job wanting you.
Avoid scheduling interviews after lunch, when most people get sleepy and irritable.
Copyright (c) 2007 Carole Martin, The Interview Coach
Carole Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interview Questions, Interview Questions and Marketing and Communications. Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach. Celebrated author, trainer, and mentor, Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook, "Interview Fitness Training" has sold thousands of copies world-wide. Sign Up to Receive Free. Carole Martin's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.