Prepare for Important Job Interviews

Job Interview Strategies: Job interviews can be terrifying. The best way to deal with your nerves is to prepare for your interview in advance so that there are no surprises when you arrive. If you have a handle on what might happen before you walk in the door, you will be more self-confident and more likely to get a second interview, or hopefully, a job offer.

As you are sending out your resumes and cover letters, think about your body language and how you present yourself. How do you handle yourself when you are nervous? Do you tug your hair, pull at your clothes, or start talking a little too loudly? Do you jabber a little when you are thinking instead of just being quiet? Do you shift around in your chair? Interviewers notice all of these "nervous tics" and may judge you negatively for them, particularly if you are going to interface with the company's clientele. Most of these nervous habits can be controlled with a little effort and practice. For example, one way of keeping your hands still is to simply decide to keep them folded on the desk or table in front of you unless you are using them to emphasize an important point.

There are many standard questions that you might be asked when going on an interview. It is a wise idea to prepare answers for them in advance. Some common questions include:1. Why do you want to leave your current company?2. What are you looking for in a new company?3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?4. Where do you want to be in five years?5. What do you like the most about your current position? 6. What do you like the least?7. What would you do if a customer asked you for information about a business that they are in competition with?8. Have you ever been fired from a job before?