Interviewing well is an art and yet I find so many people pay very little attention to this aspect of the job search process. It is in fact likely the single most important step.

If you are called for an interview, the assumption must be that it is your job to lose. If you have been called, you have many of the skills needed for the job and your qualifications are enough of a match that if the fit is right, they could hire you. People are busy and companies value their time. They are not going to spend the time and resources to have you come in for an interview if they don't think you can do the job. So, your job at this point is create rapport, show how you can contribute to their bottom line, determine if the job and company are a fit for both of you and then express your enthusiasm. The question is, how?

Building Rapport

This happens from the moment you receive a call to set up an interview. Be aware that every contact you have is evaluating you. They are paying attention to how you talk on the phone, your tone of voice, your energy, etc. When you first meet in person they are looking for eye contact, your presence, and how you speak. Interviewers, whether HR personnel or decision makers, are looking for a connection and your personality and personal presentation will make a huge impression. Look at it from their perspective. You are much more than your skills and abilities and they want someone on board with whom they will enjoy working and who they think will fit with their staff. Respect their status but let them see who you are and be sure you are projecting the image you intend.

Your Contributions

This is one of the most difficult parts of the interview but it will make a big impact on the outcome. Interviewers are trying to figure out how you plan to contribute to their bottom line and your ability to apply your unique gifts, talents, and skills to their particular situation. So, one way to do this is to remain relevant at all times and be as specific as possible. When someone says "tell me about yourself" what they are really saying is "tell me about the parts of you that matter to me and my company". So, make your answer relevant. I recommend that everyone create a 60 second commercial of themselves that they can easily adapt to any job. Assume that they want a summary of your work-related qualifications; so, focus on your academic degrees that relate to the position (if you are freshly out of college) and highlight a few of your specific skills that relate to the job requirements. For example, "I just finished a course in such and such which will allow me to apply these new skills to your work in such and such." Remember that every question should be answered with an eye on their bottom line.

Is it a Fit?

This question means is it a fit for you and for them. Pay a lot of attention to the culture of the office or company when you are there. Ask questions of the receptionist or even ask the interviewers what attracts them to working there. If you are given a tour, ask to see the cafeteria (if they have one) or the break room. Pay attention to the mood and imagine yourself walking in those doors every day and see how that feels. Ask if you can meet the people you may be working with. Remember, no matter who writes the paycheck, you are the CEO of your own personal services corporation and how you feel about them is just as important as how they feel about you. One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that "it is not what I thought it would be". Make sure that you get your questions answered, do the research, and know what you are getting into. You are deciding on a job and an organization that will play a significant role in your life. Take is seriously.

Enthusiasm

This is key and one of the aspect of the interview that stumps interviewees all of the time. Many people are afraid to show their enthusiasm about a job. It makes them feel vulnerable and in a way it does, but imagine that you were looking for someone to join your company. Wouldn't you want that person to be fired up? Wouldn't you want that person to show an interest in what you are doing and how much they would like to be a part of it? I have talked to countless people that leave interviews and then don't follow up and just wait for the company to contact them. Huge mistake. If you want the job, tell them. And, don't be generic. Tell them that you really want the job so that you can use (insert specific skill) in order to (insert what they need). Tell them what you like about the culture of the company, how you felt during the interview, and that you hope you will be considered seriously as they move forward. You do not have to over indulge. Just a simple 60 second statement that leaves them no doubt as to your interest will be enough. Then, when you leave, immediately craft your follow-up letter and in addition to the brief overview and recap of the interview, end with a final plug about your continued interest. A genuine interest will go a long way when it comes down to decision making.

Interviewing for a job can be stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun. Imagine it as a game - the winner may not always be the one who looks best on paper, but the one who is able to convince their potential employer that they are an asset worth fighting for. Do this by establishing rapport, being relevant, showing how you can contribute to the bottom line, and showing how you are the type of person they want on their team.