The effects of the economy may have made the job market more intimidating than ever. Significantly fewer places are hiring and businesses are cutting back by laying off employees and cutting salaries.

There is still hope, however. Knowing the basics of achieving success at a job interview is the first step in attaining the job you’re after.

Preparation

Preparing beforehand helps you appear ready and knowledgeable for the position for which you’re applying. Visualize the interview from start to finish and imagine yourself behaving confidently.

Think of questions employers typically ask and answer them repeatedly until you are comfortable and coherent in your answers. Try conducting a mock interview with a friend for practice.

Common questions an employer may ask are:
-Why would you like to work for this company?
-How can you add value to this position?
-Where do you see yourself in one or five years from now?
-What are your strengths?
-What are your weaknesses?

A new form of interviewing that is common is called behavioral interviewing, which consists of the interviewer describing a hypothetical situation and asking you to describe how you would respond. This shows him your thought process and how you deal with certain problem situations.

Research the company beforehand and find out as much about it as possible. Knowing background information will allow you to think of ways in which you can meet the company’s needs. It may be useful to contact the company’s receptionist and request brochures or annual reports. Speak politely on the phone and when you go in person to pick up the information. Your impression on the receptionist might aid you in getting the job.

Arrive to the interview 5 to 10 minutes early. If necessary, drive to the location the day before to plan how long it will take, considering traffic, construction or other possible delays.

What to Bring

Another aspect of preparation is bringing tools that will help you promote yourself and your abilities as well as inform your interviewer.

Some key items to bring are:
-Resume or job application
-Samples of previous work, especially if the field for which you’re applying includes education, graphic design, art or communications
-Social Security card
-Government issued identification, such as a driver’s license
-List of references from previous employers or co-workers
-School transcripts
-A pen and paper to take notes

Behavior

Be conscious of your behavior at all times so as not to give the interviewer the wrong impression.

The interview should begin with a strong, firm handshake and make eye contact with the interviewer when doing so.

Make eye contact throughout the interview to convey trust and sincerity. However, too much eye contact can make the interviewer uncomfortable. Smile and tilt your head slightly forward to show that you are attentive.

Utilize proper English and avoid the use of slang.

Do not cross your arms, tap your feet, slouch or show signs of boredom. Avoid nervous habits such as biting your nails, playing with your hair or fidgeting.

During the Interview

Know the interviewer’s name and use it, particularly when greeting him.

Focus on your skills and accomplishments, including high school and college achievements, volunteer work, co-curricular activities and computer and language skills.

In terms of a job objective, be clear about what you want and don’t want. Expressing that you are willing to take “anything” is not the best strategy.

Know your strengths and apply them to the needs of the company.

Manipulate your weaknesses into strengths appropriate for the company. For example, if the company is known to be fast-paced and unforgiving of laziness, you might say your weakness is that you are impatient and unsympathetic to people who do not fully do their jobs. In doing so, your weakness has become a strength and could be a determining factor in getting the job.

If you have been fired from previous jobs, be honest about it. Avoid showing bitterness, to convey that you are mature and aware of the fact that layoffs are sometimes necessary.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the interviewer. Some appropriate questions are:
-Who will I be closely working with?
-What are the typical responsibilities of the position?
-Is there formal training?
-Are there opportunities for advancement?
-What are the long and short-term goals of the company?

Avoid asking questions that can easily be answered by researching the company Web site. Avoid asking about salary or benefits unless a job offer has been made.

End the interview confidently, thanking the interviewer for his time and ask when you might hear back from him. 

Appropriate Attire

Your appearance is the first judgment an interviewer will make and dressing professionally and appropriately is crucial. Even if the company is known to be casual, dress nicely for the interview, unless instructed otherwise.

For men, a two-piece matched suit is most appropriate. Wearing a suit shows the interviewer you take the job seriously and that you are promoting yourself as a professional. It should be a solid color with a white, long-sleeved shirt underneath. Dark socks with cleanly polished shoes should be worn. Avoid wearing jewelry or cologne. Hair should be neat and fingernails should be trimmed.

For women, a solid colored suit or a blouse and a skirt are appropriate. The best materials for all seasons are wool, wool blends or high-quality micro fiber. Avoid acetate or rayon blends. If wearing hosiery, the color should be tan or neutral and wear conservative or moderate shoes. Avoid excessive makeup, perfume or jewelry. Hair should be neat and fingernails should be manicured.

Acceptable colors for both men and women are navy, dark grey or black. Solids or subtle weave or plaid patterns are best.

Overall, just make sure to exude confidence when going into an interview. If you do everything you can to make the interview a success, you have done your job and then it is up to the employer to make the final decision. If you want more help for your upcoming job interview, go to The Job Interview Secret for inside knowledge on acing your job interview.