There are a number of concrete steps you can take to increase the probability that a job interview will be successful--i.e., that you will receive an offer or will be invited to return for additional interviews. Preparation is the key.

Because interviewing is an unrehearsed conversation between two strangers, the discussion can take as many paths as there are people. For that reason, it is crucial to be comfortable with the unfolding of the process. It helps to think of the process as one where both parties are hoping for a positive outcome. The only thing you can be sure of is that every interview is unique!

Before the Interview

It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of being well prepared for a job interview. Your degree of preparation speaks volumes about your interest level, conscientiousness, and ability to plan ahead. Your preparation will also increase your confidence, your ability to answer questions articulately, and your ability to ask discerning, pertinent questions.

In order to make the best case for your candidacy for a particular job, you need to be prepared with information about yourself AND about the job, company, and field. It is difficult to make a case for a match if you only have information about one side of the equation.

Many people incorrectly assume that they know themselves well enough and that they don't need to spend time thinking about themselves before an interview. It is important to think about yourself specifically in a job setting and to reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for work in that setting. It is also important to be able to articulate to a stranger what he or she is interested in knowing about you. If you are unaccustomed to talking about yourself, it may be awkward at first. If you are not shy about discussing your talents and accomplishments, it may take some practice to sound confident but not arrogant. If you tend to be humble, it may take practice to avoid sounding overly self-deprecating.

To research an organization or a company, begin by reading their own promotional literature. If it is not available at OCS or another library, call the organization or company and ask if they would send you their annual report or any other literature. It is best to do some work beyond the company's own literature, however, because it will allow you to demonstrate that you took the initiative to find out more. Your organization research can begin in the OCS Resource Collection and other libraries with trade magazines, newspaper articles, annual reports, electronic databases and more.

Try to have a basic grasp of the duties of the specific position for which you are interviewing, as well as how that position fits into the overall organization. Think about how that position contributes to the success of the company, and gear your comments to show how your background and talents would enable you to maximize that contribution.

First Impressions

Most interviewers will admit (and research supports) that they have largely made up their minds about a candidate within the first five minutes of meeting him or her. Important "first impression" indicators? Arriving on time, a firm handshake, sustained eye contact, a warm smile, good posture, and introducing yourself in a relaxed and confident manner.

A few basics about superficial presentation bear repeating. A well-groomed, professional appearance is essential. Anything else will detract from the best possible presentation you can make. A good way to determine suitable attire is to look at what people in your particular field are wearing. Men and women should generally plan to wear a fairly conservative suit in a fairly conservative color. You don't want to give your clothes a second thought as you go to the interview. You do want to feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear.

You should always bring along extra copies of your resume, something to write on, and something to write with. You should also bring a list of 6-10 questions that you plan to ask of the interviewer. It is important to have more prepared that you will be able to ask just in case the interviewer answers some of your questions during the conversation.

The Heart of the Interview

The age-old advice to "be yourself" is still the best general thought to keep in mind as you prepare for an interview. When you think about being yourself, however, concentrate on being your "best self." This thought extends from the suit you wear to the examples from your past that you choose to highlight. An interview is a brief period of time in which to make an impression. You want yours to be a positive one. Present the highs and not the lows, the enthusiasm and not the doubt. No one denies that most people have negative experiences, low moments, and uncertainty about major decisions, but in 30-45 minutes, there simply is not time to discuss them. By focusing on positive elements, you will help to make the tone of the entire interview a positive one.

The format of the interview can vary widely--from a structured series of questions to an informal wide-ranging conversation. Lists of potential interview questions can be found in many books and in OCS handouts. Reviewing them is an excellent way to clarify your thoughts about your past experiences and future goals. Actually saying the answers out loud, whether to yourself, a friend, or in a mock interview is better practice than just thinking about them.

If you are puzzled about the qualities and characteristics an employer seeks, put yourself in his or her shoes for a moment and imagine what kind of person they would like to hire. When reviewing your resume and thinking about your past, focus on experiences that demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, progress, achievement, creativity, initiative, leadership, and responsibility. These are general traits that most employers seek in the people they hire. Your examples can come from many different experiences--academic, athletic, artistic, travel, community service, and work.

Follow-Up

Before leaving an interview you should be clear as to the next step. Your interviewer will usually give you that information. If he or she says nothing, you may ask, "How should we proceed from here?" or "When might I expect to hear from you?"

As soon as possible, take notes about what happened. If you are going to another interview in the same day, this is particularly important, because you don't want to confuse any details. This information will become crucial if you are invited back for a second interview. Be sure to note what you learned about the company or the field, impressions of the people with whom you met, the correct spellings of their names and titles, your responsibilities as far as any follow-up call, and when you can expect to hear from them. If you did not receive business cards from the people you met (or see their names on a diploma on the wall), you may call the company directly when you get home and ask the receptionist for their names and titles.

As always, writing a prompt thank-you note is a must. The note can be brief and should not exceed one page. In addition to expressing your appreciation, your correspondence will serve to accomplish the following: you can reconfirm your interest in the job, underline how you think your background and skills would fulfill the responsibilities of the position, and demonstrate that you listened carefully.

One final word: It is natural to feel nervous before an interview. Your goal is to eliminate unnecessary nervousness by being well prepared. A good night's sleep and plenty of travel time can also have a soothing effect on your nerves. Remember, the ideal is to be comfortable with the unfolding of the process. If you can truly enjoy the interview, you will communicate self-assurance and positive energy. If you can demonstrate a good match between you and the position at that company in an enthusiastic and positive tone, you will be well on your way to receiving an offer.