4 Tips to Nail Your Job Interview

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4 Tips to Nail Your Job Interview

Job interviews are a nerve-wracking experience for professional women to be sure, but you don't want to let a prospective employer see you sweat. The good news is that when you properly prepare for a job interview, you will be much more likely to go in relaxed and confident. These simple tips will help professional women get ready for the big day to through the interview process with style and class.

Do Your Homework
Before you walk through the door of a prospective employer, you should know everything you can about the company. In today's age of technology, there is no excuse not to have the company's mission statement, size and even clientele completely memorized before your interview. If you know anyone who currently works for the company or has in the past, talk to them about the corporate culture and other aspects of the company. You can even hang around outside the company headquarters one morning to see how people dress for the job.

Be Prepared
Dress simply and professionally for your interview, without too many pieces of jewelry or accessories cluttering your look. Professional women should avoid perfume on this day, since an aroma that is enticing to you may be noxious to your interviewer. Give yourself a quick check in the mirror before heading into the interview to make sure there is nothing stuck in your teeth, or spotting your clothing. Turn off your cell phone and turn on the charm. Bring extra resumes and cover letters in case your interviewer doesn't have a copy in front of him. Most of all, be on time for your interview. It is really hard to land a job with an interviewer who is already steaming after waiting for you to show up.

Be a Team Player
When discussing the job opening, use words that imply you already have the position. Instead of saying, "I would" or "I could", use present tense words like, "I can" and "I will". When talking about the company, refer to "we" instead of "you". It is a subtle difference, but one that shows the employer you have confidence that you can do the job you are applying for and that you are a team player who plays nicely with others.

Follow Up
During the interview, professional women should ask questions about the position and company when presented with the opportunity. This shows that you are as interested in ensuring the job is a good fit for you as you are for it. It also demonstrates that you are interested enough in the job to want to know more. After your interview is complete, thank the interviewer and shake hands before turning around to leave. Follow up with a written thank you note a few days later to express appreciation for the interviewer's time and reiterate your interest in the position.

Job interviews can make even the strongest professional women among us faint-hearted. However, with proper preparation and a bit of interviewing savvy, you can come through that interview with flying colors to land the job you want.