How To Ace a Job Interview

  • February 28, 2008
  • 17,948 Views
Please install Flash

Welcome to the jungle, my man. This is it, do or die, survival of the fittest. Afraid you’re going to blow it? Relax. Here are some fail-safe tactics that’ll shoot you to the top of anybody’s short list.

You Will Need

  • A professional-looking outfit
  • A briefcase or portfolio
  • An up-to-date resume
  • And a positive attitude
How To Ace a Job Interview: Do your research

Step 1: Do your research

Do your research. Pour over the company’s website, search for relevant news items about it and its major competitors, and catch up on the latest developments in your field.

Look for connections between the company’s needs and your skills. Be prepared to discuss how your accomplishments complement the company’s goals.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Arrive early

Step 2: Arrive early

Arrive a few minutes early. At the very least, be right on time. Never arrive late for a job interview—that’s just lame.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Dress the part

Step 3: Dress the part

Dress the part to give the visual impression that you belong. Not every interview requires a coat and tie, but you should always look neat and professional.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Make nice

Step 4: Make nice

Make nice with any employees you meet while waiting, and always be nice to the receptionist—she’s the eyes and ears of the company.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Greet w/ firm handshake

Step 5: Greet w/ firm handshake

Greet your interviewer with a firm, dry handshake. Don’t give just a limp finger grab, don’t go overboard and crush their hand, and don’t try anything funny or clever.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Bring updated resume

Step 6: Bring updated resume

Make sure your resume and list of references are up to date, and bring extra copies of both.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Listen & ask questions

Step 7: Listen & ask questions

Listen as much as you talk. Keep your answers on point, and don’t forget to ask questions as well as answer them.

Did you quit your last job to play poker for a year? If so, be ready to explain why—you will be asked.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Be positive

Step 8: Be positive

Put a positive spin on everything. Everyone wants to hire a team player, so resist the urge to complain about another job or badmouth a former employer.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Don't exaggerate skills

Step 9: Don't exaggerate skills

Don’t exaggerate your skills or your knowledge. Be straight about what you do and don’t know, and offer to learn more if you get the job.

Let your personality show, but save the theatrics for when you’re hanging out with your friends.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Use proper body language

Step 10: Use proper body language

Smile, nod, and maintain eye contact. The proper body language conveys interest and engagement. NO SLOUCHING!

How To Ace a Job Interview: Ask about process

Step 11: Ask about process

Before you leave, ask about the next step in the process and the overall timeline for filling the position.

How To Ace a Job Interview: Thank everyone

Step 12: Thank everyone

Don’t forget to thank everyone on the way out. When you get home, mail a handwritten note to each person you spoke with.

Interviewers at Microsoft often asked job applicants why manhole covers are round, just to test how well they thought on their feet.

Something wrong?

Report This How-To

Cancel

Comments (6)

clayton

Nice video - love the candy necklace and nice stranglehold (but that's definitely not the type of first impression you want to leave...no pun intended)!

over 3 years ago by clayton

Reply
norgon

I don't know; my interpretation was more that the candy necklace was symbolic of his hatred of the Bush Administration.

over 3 years ago by norgon

Reply
BScott

Very clever - loved it!

over 3 years ago by BScott

Reply
gameinuk

Its funny n pretty useful, good job

over 3 years ago by gameinuk

Reply
benjamart

very communicative

over 2 years ago by benjamart

Reply
dblhelix

Manhole covers are round so that no matter what way they are turned, the cover cannot fall into the sewer.

about 1 year ago by dblhelix

Reply

or to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends

Video is in Get a Job (19 videos)