Preparing for a Job Interview

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Nowhere is this more true than in a job interview. This relatively brief meeting is your primary opportunity to demonstrate that you would be a great addition to the company. Regardless of your experience level and how many times you’ve been interviewed in your career, it’s always prudent to revisit the fundamental principles of successful interviewing. Thorough preparation before the interview ensures you have the best possible chance of landing the position you desire. To make the best impression, follow these suggestions:

• Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes He or she is looking for a strong work ethic, motivation and a positive attitude.
• Know the company. What are its top priorities? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Who are its chief competitors? The more you know about the organization, the more in-depth your responses to key interview questions will be.
• Know how to handle tough questions No matter how prepared you are, some questions may surprise you. Take your time in answering these tricky inquiries and keep your responses concise and to the point.
• Be yourself Pretending to be someone you’re not to impress the interviewer can help you land the job, but you may end up in a position for which you’re unqualified.
• Focus on your value to the company By discussing experiences and accomplishments that relate directly to the open position, you demonstrate your ability to become an immediate contributor.

Don’t assume your resume and experience will guarantee you the position. Your strengths in communicating ways you can contribute to achieving an organization’s goals will be evaluated as critically as your list of qualifications. This article was provided by Accountemps, a division of Robert Half International, Inc. As the industry leader and expert in temporary financial staffing, the company provides an array of resources to job seekers, including salary data, job search tips, advice on which skills are in demand and online courses providing continuing professional education credits.