Interviewing is the most stressful part of the job search for many people. But it doesn't have to be. Interviews are an opportunity to show you are an enthusiastic worker who would do a job well.

You can make the most of that opportunity by being prepared, presenting a professional demeanor, and describing your qualifications well.

Preparing for an Interview

Career counselors say a good job interview starts well before the jobseeker and interviewer meet. Preparation can be as important as the interview itself. Researching, practicing, and dressing appropriately are the first steps to making the most of a job interview.

Research

One of the best ways to demonstrate enthusiasm for a job is to research both the company and the position for which you are being interviewed. Employers say they are impressed by well-informed jobseekers.

Before arriving for an interview, you should know the following:

• what the company does
• how large it is
• any recent changes it has undergone
• what role you could play in its organization

Try to learn about the company's goals and values. With these facts, you can show how your qualifications match the company's needs.

The company itself is often the easiest place to start your search. Public libraries and career centers also have valuable information about employers.

Practice describing yourself

Another important step in preparing for a job interview is to practice describing your professional characteristics. Think of examples from past jobs, schoolwork, and activities to illustrate important skills.

You should rehearse with a career counselor or friend to gain confidence and poise. As a starting point, practice responding to the following:

• How would you describe yourself?
• What did you like most about your last job?
• What types of courses do you enjoy most?
• Why should I select you over other applicants?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me more about the project you described on your resume.
• Describe a work or school-related problem and how you solved it.
• Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.
• What are your short-term goals?
• Why do you want to work in this occupation and for this company?

Practice emphasizing the positive. The interviewer might ask for a weakness or a failure. Choose one that does not affect your ability to do the job, or describe a shortcoming you are working to overcome.

If there are weaknesses evident on your resume or transcript, such as being fired from a job or receiving poor grades, rehearse an explanation before the interview in case you are asked about them. Focus on what you learned from the experience, being careful never to criticize a previous employer or coworker.

The Employment Interview

On the day of the interview, give yourself plenty of time to get ready for and travel to the interview. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Some career counselors suggest making a test run to the interview site in advance to familiarize yourself with the travel route.

Consider carrying a briefcase to the interview. In addition to giving you a professional look, a briefcase serves a function: it gives portability to things you'll want at the interview. These include:

• a pen and paper to record important information
• copies of your resume or application and reference sheet
• examples of your work, such as writing samples

Nervousness

Most people are nervous when interviewing. But remember, you have been asked to interview for the job because the employer believes you could be right for it. The interview is your chance to confirm that belief and establish rapport.

The interview begins the moment you arrive. Everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the hiring manager, will form an impression of you. To ensure the impression is positive, remember that your words and mannerisms will affect the image you project. When you meet people, be sure to:

• smile warmly and shake hands
• make eye contact
• maintain good posture

Do not use slang, chew gum, or smoke. Standard politeness is important because the interviewer knows very little about you. Never use the interviewer's first name unless you are invited to do so, and don't sit down until the interviewer does.

Responding to questions

After introductions, the interviewer will probably explain the job in more detail, discuss the company, or initiate friendly conversation. The interviewer will then ask you questions to try to gauge how well you would fill the position.

You can use the STAR method to help you answer questions. The STAR method will help you organize your answers into logical parts. To answer an interview question, you will:

• explain the Situation
• tell what your Task was
• explain what Action you took
• talk about the Results of your action

Turning the tables

At some point, usually toward the end of the interview, you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions. This is your chance to find out more about the company. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• Who would supervise me?
• Can you describe a typical assignment?
• Are there opportunities for advancement?

An interview is not the time to inquire about salary or benefits. You don't want to seem more interested in financial rewards than in contributing to the company. If asked about salary requirements, try to convey flexibility. The best time to discuss earnings is after you have been offered the job.

Before leaving the interview, make sure you understand the next step in the hiring process. Find out whether there will be another round of interviews, whether you should provide additional information, and when a hiring decision will be made.

Be sure to thank the interviewer. If you are interested in the job, say so.

Following Up with a Thank You Letter

Even after the interview is over, your task is not complete. Secure a good impression by sending a thank you letter to the interviewer. It is best to send the letter within 2 days of the interview, but any time is better than none.

Thank you letters should be less than one page, and may be handwritten or typed. Their purpose is to express your appreciation for the interviewer's time and to reiterate your interest in the job.

Thank you letters should have three main paragraphs.

1. The first paragraph is your chance to thank the interviewer for meeting with you and to show enthusiasm for the job.
2. The second paragraph is for you to briefly reiterate a few skills that make you well suited for the job. Include any important information you forgot to mention in the interview.
3. The third paragraph is where you thank the interviewer again, give your phone number, and state that you look forward to hearing from him or her.

When you write your thank you letter, be sure to:

• Write or type the letter on solid white, off-white, or gray stationary
• Use a standard business format
• Use a colon after the interviewer's name and a space after each paragraph
• Sign your full name

Many employers say an e-mailed thank you letter is acceptable if E-mail correspondence was exchanged between the interviewer and the candidate. Otherwise, an E-mail message should not substitute for standard mail.

Address the letter to the person who interviewed you, and make sure to spell his or her name correctly. If a group interviewed you, write either to each person you spoke with or to the person who led and coordinated the interview, mentioning the other people you met.

Be sure to proofread the letter. Ask someone else to proofread it for you, too. As you write your thank you letter, remind yourself that you may be writing to your next supervisor.