Interviewing for Results

Interviewing with your future employer can be intimidating, frustrating and at times, overwhelming. Here are three helpful hints that will allow you to leave a lasting, positive impression with the interviewer - from the recent college graduate, to the seasoned professional.

1. Confidence

Confidence is perhaps the single most important trait you should portray to your potential employer or client. If you don't believe in your skills, talent and what you can offer, neither will they. Remember, you worked hard to get where you are… you struggled through years of college, hundreds of hours of training, and plenty of sleepless nights thinking of where your design skills would lead you. Make sure your employer is aware of how hard you've worked to get where you are, and what you are willing to do to get even further.

Never doubt your skills, and convince yourself that you can learn anything. Once your convinced, you can convince your employer. Sit up straight, lean forward when communicating, use your hands and most importantly, smile. If you are asked about a skill that you don't have, don't be afraid to be honest and admit your lack of knowledge, but be sure to state your eagerness to learn.

2. Be prepared

Before meeting or speaking with an employer, take a few minutes to answer this question: "What are your strongest traits?" Then go back and highlight your top 5 qualities, and elaborate on them. Besides outlining which software packages you have mastered, make sure to express your ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and working well in a team environment.

Another popular question is, "Why should we hire you?" This question usually stumps everyone, because most people spend too much time focusing on themselves instead of their employer's needs. Make sure to understand the company's goals and objectives, and how your job plays a part in their everyday operations.

Practice these and many other scenarios with friends and family members preferably a few days prior to the interview, so that you can work out any glitches or deficiencies thoroughly. Practice makes perfect.

3. Image is everything

I remember one time a friend of mine arrived at a job interview wearing a black suit, a designer tie and $400 shoes. Although under regular circumstances it would have been very impressive attire, in his case it was overkill. The company to which he was interviewing with, was a small, home-based organization with roughly 4 employees (not counting the cats.) From the moment he walked in, he felt out of place, feeling embarrassed for not researching the employer more thoroughly.

So before your next interview, take time to call the receptionist and inquire about the dress code. Now that you know that the dress code is, dress "one notch" above the expected attire - in another words, if the dress code is business casual, go in with a nice pair of pressed slacks and a collared long sleeve shirt. Women, wear a knee-length skirt and a long sleeve shirt. Remember that the employer has already formed an opinion about you in the first 15 seconds of seeing you, so you better put your best foot forward.