Even the smartest and most qualified1 job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies and caveats2 to enhance your interview IQ.
Practice Good Nonverbal Communication
It's about demonstrating confidence: standing3 straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.
Dress for the Job or Company
Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as they do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.
Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly4. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what he said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace.
Don't Talk Too Much
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble5, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.
Don't Be Too Familiar
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic6 the interviewer's demeanor7. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
Use Appropriate Language
It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation8 -- these TOPics could send you out the door very quickly.
Don't Be Cocky
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty9. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.
Take Care to Answer the Questions
When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.
Ask Questions
When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, No. Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information.
Don't Appear Desperate
When you interview with the please, please hire me approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.
Talk to peers and get expert advice on the 27 Feng Shui Ways to Improve Your Career Board.
提升应聘IQ十法
求职者无论多聪明多有资历都得为应聘做筹备。你会问，为何？由于应聘是门学问，而且给人留下一个好的第一印象的机是否会有第二次。所以，学习这十条方案和告诫吧，它们可以提升你的应聘IQ。
用好非语言交流的方法
这是有关表现自信心的∶站姿端正、用眼神交流、坚实有力的握手。应聘中这种第一印象是非常不错的开场白，反之则是催命符。
着装得体
现代人大都着装随便，但这并不是你应聘时可以跟他们穿得一样。外表看起来整洁而且职业化，这一点是非常重要的。至于你是穿套装还是穿不那样正式的服饰，取决于企业的文化和面试的职位。假如可能的话，应聘前要打听了解企业的着装标准。
倾听
应聘伊始，应聘官会直接或间接地给你信息。假如你没认真听，你就会先失一城。认真地听而且让他/她了解你在听，这是很好的交流方法。察看应聘官，去迎合他/她的风格和步伐。
不要说得太多
告诉应聘官太多有时或许会弄巧成拙。假如你事先没筹备的话，可以随意闲聊，把话题从工作转移到其他方面上去。筹备应聘时，要通读招聘信息，找出你所拥有的该职位必须具备技能，并且只谈论这一信息。
别太套近乎
应聘是正式的职业会谈，而不是结交新友。亲疏程度取决于应聘官的态度。应聘中回答问题和询问问题时，有精力有热情这一点非常重要，但别忘了，你是在找工作。
言语得体
按常理，在应聘中你应该用专业语言。应该注意不要用任何不适合的俚语，或是谈论涉及到年龄、种族、宗教、政治或者性取向的话题这类会令你非常快无缘工作。
别太自满
要在应聘中取胜，态度举足轻重。自信、专业、谦虚三者之间有一个非常微妙的平衡，需要协调好。即便是要展示自己能力，过度自信也要不能，它与过度拘谨一样不好，甚至更糟糕。
留心回答问题
当应聘官叫你举例说明你做某事时的一段时期，他是在探寻例子以知道你过去的行为。假如你不可以给出一个具体的例子，你非但回答不了这个问题，而且还错失了一个能证明你能力并谈论你水平的良机。
询问
当问到有哪些问题要问时，应聘者一般回答没。回答错误！询问极其要紧，由于这表明你对公司事务的关心。询问也叫你有机会搞了解这地方适不适合你。你问的问题最好是与应聘时被问到的内容有关的，或者是询问更多信息的。
别看上去绝望
当你应聘时使用请雇佣我吧，请雇用我吧这种办法，你会看着非常绝望，缺少自信。应聘时要维持这三个原则∶冷静、镇定、自信。你了解你能胜任这份工作，你也要让应聘官相信你能胜任这份工作。
在27条改进你职业情况风水布局妙计留言板上与同行进行交谈，并聆听专家建议
