Amy Z Prosperous Career = Successful Interview

To obtain a prosperous career, you must first begin with a successfully completed job interview. Your main goal as an interviewee is to stand out so that you will be remembered when the hiring process begins. To discuss the interview process more in detail, I separated it into four parts: the ice breaking beginning, the agonizing middle, the short but sweet conclusion, and finally the professional and well thought out follow-up letter.

The beginning of the interview is usually the shortest, and basically all you are doing is breaking the ice. The Interviewer will most likely talk about the company and ask you informal questions about your interests and hobbies. Although you may feel comfortable, do not be overly casual, interviewers are quick to judge.

The middle of the interview is usually the longest. This is the part the interviewer ask questions to gain an insight of your strengths and accomplishments. During an interview, it is important to never answer a question with a one word reply! Instead, elaborate on past: obstacles, experiences, and duties because in the end you will stand out from the pack because your answer will be unique and easily remembered. For any reason there is a question you are unable to answer, you need to find a way to direct it towards something positive because speaking off topic is better than not answering the question at all. In some instances, the interviewers may test your ability to handle stress. Do not be fooled. You need to remain cool, calm, and collected and for doing so you will earn brownie points.

Now that the hard part is over, we begin to wind down to the conclusion of the interview. This part is short but sweet, but still very important. It gives you the chance to lead the conversation. Talk about the company as if you knew they were going to hire you, and mention responsibilities and long-term goals you would have in response to getting the position. Be sure to ask two to three questions to show that you pay attention and that you are genuinely interested in the company. If you have any additional papers that you want to be acknowledged, this is the best time to do it. Finally, smile, thank the interviewer for the consideration of the job position, and end the conversation with a forward directed statement about the job you intended to get.

Within 24 hours of the interview, send the company a follow-up letter discussing the following topics: the interview, your qualifications for the job, and to let them know that you are eager to learn the status of your application. This makes you seem: motivated, interested in the job, and encourages the interviewer to remember you when making the hiring decision.

It is not hard to have a successful interview as long you know what an interview consists. Remember to stay positive, confident, and be sure to mention your strengths and achievements whenever the opportunity arises. Try to fully answer all questions and relate them to your past experiences. Send a follow-up letter to further explain your eagerness for the job position. If you have effectively and positively stood out from your peers, then congratulations, you have successfully completed an interview.