5 Interview Tactics to Land Your Dream Job

When it comes time to interview for a new job or a new position, research can be your best friend. Studying what managers have to say about what to do and say in an interview is one of the best ways to have a successful interview and increase your chances of landing the job. Remember that you want to make sure that the job is a right fit for you too.

Here are some of the best tactics, according to interviewers:

1. Come in with a smile and a positive attitude. Sometimes nerves get the best of interviewees and they forget these simple, cardinal rules.
2. Be prepared to ask good questions. Learn as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with and make a list of several questions to ask. Not only does this show your interest in the position, but it gives you some background information to be successful once you are on the job. Suggested questions include:

• What could I focus on and approach differently from the employee who had this position previously?
• What are the most important skills I would be using daily on the job?
• Can you tell me what the short term and long term goals of my position would be?
• What would my average day look like in this position?
• Do you have examples of the type of projects I would be working on?

1. Let them know you are flexible. By flexible it could mean the hours worked; but it can also mean the types of jobs or tasks you would be doing.
2. Show the interviewer that you have done your homework and learned about the company. Use the company website and LinkedIn for background information. Adopt the company’s own terminology and use that during your interview.
3. List the reasons you want this job.

3 Big Don’ts during an Interview:

1. Don’t make yourself look like trouble. Many interviewees mean well with their questions, but certain questions border on being nosey and send up the red flags that could indicate a troublesome future employee. These type of questions will almost certainly land your resume in the “do not hire” pile:

• How soon can I apply for a promotion?
• When will I be able to apply for other jobs with your company?
• Do you run background checks?
• What type of benefits and time off do I get?

1. Never ask questions that you could have easily found the answer to online.
2. Don’t ask personal questions of the interviewer or about other employees.