Interviews are a critical piece of your job search. Make sure you get the most out of each one.

Employers conduct interviews to learn more about your qualifications for a job. They also want to know how well you'd fit within their organization.

Interviews are your chance to sell your skills and experience. They also give you a chance to find out if the job and company are right for you. Follow the tips here to ace your upcoming interviews.

Tip 1: Be Prepared

On the big day, remember to:

• Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references. Carry them in a binder or portfolio.
• Leave your MP3 player, coffee, soda, or backpack at home or in your car.
• Plan your schedule so you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Go by yourself.
• Dress in a manner appropriate to the job.
• Bring your sense of humor and SMILE!

During the interview:

• Display confidence. Shake hands firmly, but only if a hand is offered to you first. Maintain eye contact.
• Let the interviewer start the dialogue.
• Listen carefully. Welcome all questions, even the difficult ones, with a smile.
• Give honest, direct answers.
• Develop answers in your head before you respond. If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or clarified. You don't have to rush, but you don't want to appear indecisive.

Tip 2: Practice Answering Questions

Review common interview questions. Practice answering them with someone else or in front of a mirror.

Match your skills to the job. To help ensure a successful interview, figure out in advance how well you qualify for the job. For each requirement listed in the job description, write down your qualifications. This can show you if you lack a particular skill. If you do, plan how you will address this in the interview. You want to be able to convince the employer that you can learn the skill.

Example
If you lack skills in a particular computer application, you can find out when and where you can enroll in a course in your community. This might convince the employer that you're the right person to hire.

Plan what you are going to say. One of the most important things that you can do to prepare is to plan what you going to say. Most likely, an interviewer is going to ask about your skills, experience, and education. Come prepared with stories that relate to the skills that the employer is seeking, while emphasizing your:

• Strengths
• Willingness to work and flexibility
• Leadership skills
• Ability to learn new things, commitment to learning new things
• Contributions to the organizations in which you have worked or volunteered
• Creativity in solving problems and working with people

Tip 3: Plan Questions You Will Ask

An interview is a great opportunity for you to ask questions. Find out if the job and the company are a good match for you. Make a list of questions that you would like to ask during the interview. Pick questions that will demonstrate your interest in the job and the company. You might comment about the company's growth or other news you learned from its website, and then ask a specific question related to it.

Also, ask questions about the particular job you will be expected to perform. Example questions are:

• What is the organization's plan for the next five years?
• Could you explain your organizational structure?
• How will my responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
• What particular computer equipment and software do you use?

Tip 4: Bring Important Items to the Interview

Bring the following items to your interview:

• Notebook and pens
• Extra copies of your resume
• Your reference list, letter(s) of recommendation, copies of licenses, driving record, transcripts, etc.
• Portfolio of work samples

Tip 5: End the Interview with a Good Impression

A positive end to the interview is another way to ensure your success. Remind the employer of why you are qualified for the job.

• Restate any strengths and experiences that you might not have emphasized earlier.
• Mention a particular accomplishment or activity that fits the job.

The end of the interview is also the time to let the employer know if you are interested in the job.

• If you want the job, say so!
• Ask when the position will be filled.
• Find out if there will be additional interviews and when the employer plans to make a decision.
• Indicate a time when you may contact the employer to learn of the decision.

Finally, be courteous and end the interview on time.

It is essential that you follow up with a thank-you note or letter very soon after the interview.

Tip 6: Avoid Common Reasons People Don't Get Hired

• Application form or resume is incomplete or sloppy
• Overly aggressive behavior
• Lack of maturity
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm
• Nervousness or lack of confidence and poise
• Responding vaguely to questions
• No genuine interest in the company or job
• Lack of planning for career; no purpose and no goals
• Over-emphasis on money
• Unwillingness to start at the bottom
• Negative attitude about past employers
• Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time