Whether you are a professional with several years of experience or an entry-level job seeker, the interview is one of the most critical components of your job search. For employers, the interview helps answer the question, "why should I hire you?" and for you, it's an opportunity to sell your strengths and abilities.

Types of Interviews
There are several types of interviews employers use, depending on the type of job and who is conducting the interview.

• Screening interviews are typically done by the Human Resources department to verify your qualifications and skills for the position(s) available. Screening can be done by a phone interview, so beware of your answering machine messages - you want to portray a professional tone. You may want to keep a folder with your resume, cover letters, company contacts and information close to the phone so you won't be caught off guard.
• Behavioral interviews are done in person and are based on past performance as a predictor of future performance in similar situations. Questions asked in this type of interview might start with: "Tell me about a time when..." and interviewers expect specific situations as an answer. These interviews carry more weight than any other method because they provide more objective facts on which to base employment decisions. The best way to respond to these questions is to be specific, emphasize the positive, and stay focused on the results you've achieved.
• Technical interviews are typically conducted by the hiring manager to gauge your expertise, skills, and knowledge as they relate to the open position. Be honest in your skill assessment; if you lack some technical skills emphasize your willingness to learn.
• Panel interviews are conducted by three or more people at one time. These can be very intense, with sometimes as many as 10 people interviewing you at once. Try to relax and be prepared for the conversation to jump to different topics.
• Informal interviews generally take place at company functions or off-hours, at lunch, dinner, or a party. Companies conduct this type of interview to get to know you in a more relaxed setting. This time still counts toward an assessment of you so beware of your behavior; for example, if alcohol is served, don't drink too much, if at all.

(For sample interview questions asked by employers, click here.)

Preparing for the Interview
With any type of interview, the most important thing you can do is to prepare ahead of time, then relax and put your best foot forward. The interviewing process is also a time for you to get to know more about the job you are interested in, the people you may work with, the company's culture and values to help you make a decision if an offer is presented.

Targeting creates momentum in your job search because you concentrate your activities within a manageable field of people and concerns. But, if you're like many people, you may think, "Why go to all that trouble to identify job targets, especially when it narrows the range of jobs for which I'll be considered?" The reality is that it is difficult to convince a potential employer that you can make a contribution to meet his or her needs when you are trying to be all things to all people. With targeting, you can articulate your career and your accomplishments in a more coherent and persuasive manner. Targeting your job search also focuses your attention on a reasonable number of labor markets. You can keep in touch with relevant economic trends and take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

To help you prepare, consider the following:

Know yourself - sounds easy enough, but some people get stuck when asked about their strengths or weaknesses or even their skill sets. Be prepared to talk about anything on your resume from job assignments to gaps in employment. Know your strengths, weaknesses, skills, interests, values, future goals, choices you've made and why. Review your accomplishments and make a list of skills you can offer to the open position.

Know the employer, industry and field - do some research before the interview and know what trends are occurring in your industry and field, read the company's annual report, recent press releases, mission statement, and other information that is available on most company websites. Prepare a list of at least ten questions to ask during the interview - questions related to the company, job, and personal growth potential.

Practice - find someone to practice with - a friend, co-worker, or relative who can be objective and give you feedback. If none are available, practice by reviewing the "questions asked by employers" document and writing down some answers. Practicing helps you think through your answer so that you feel prepared when asked those tough questions. During the interview, it's a good practice to take a few seconds to pause before answering the question so that you can gather your thoughts.

The day of the interview, arrive at least fifteen minutes early and bring copies of your resume and prepared questions. A word on dress: Don't underestimate the power of a first impression. Whether we like it or not, people make assumptions about us based on our appearance within the first several minutes of an interview. The correct image will give you the edge over your competition. When in doubt, dress conservatively in a dark (navy or black) suit - this goes for both men and women.

Reasons People Don't Get Hired
Consider these reasons hiring managers have given for not hiring someone:

• Inappropriate personal appearance
• Overly aggressive
• Inability to express information clearly
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm
• Lack of planning for career; no purpose or goals
• Nervousness, lack of confidence and poise
• Over emphasis on money or benefits
• Lack of tact and courtesy
• Lack of maturity
• Negative attitude about past employers
• No genuine interest in company or job
• Poor eye contact with the interviewer
• Application form is incomplete or sloppy
• Late for interview
• Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time
• Doesn't ask questions about the job or company
• Gives vague responses to questions
• Failure to send a thank-you note or card following the interview

Most of these reasons can be prevented because they are within your control. So, make sure you take time to think about how you will not do them and instead, put your best foot forward and let the employer know exactly why they should hire you.

Recommended reading:
You will find several hundred titles, research, articles, and web sites dedicated to the topic of job search and interviewing. Below are a couple of favorites, but don't limit yourself and do some research to find tips and ideas that appeal to you.
Beatty, Richard H. The Interview Kit/How to Answer over 500 Tough Interview Questions, John Wiley & Sons, 2000.
Fry, Ronald. 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, Career Press, 2000.
Yates, Martin. Knock 'Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Seeker's Handbook, Adams Media Corporation, 2003.

© 2003 by Cindy Markovcy. Ms. Markovcy holds a Master's degree from Seton Hall University and has several years of experience in Human Resources. She has volunteered for Job Seekers workshops for the past three years and can be emailed at cindy.markovcy@att.net.