Show Your Best in an Interview
and Move Your Career Forward

Hitting a roadblock in your career doesn’t have to be a paralyzing experience. Maybe you are feeling like the “fire” you had for your present work is fizzling? Maybe, room for growth is tiring out in your company?

In any case, if you thinking of moving on, here are a few ideas that will help you shine in your next job interview.

Your present job is "mental" leverage

Even though you are looking for another job, you are in a specially favouable position when you are still employed, as you don’t have to take the first opportunity that comes along. Don’t let your frustration with your present job overshadow your determination and energy directed at your new job search.

Recently, just before entering an interview, I took a moment to think about what I was going to say when asked, “Why are you leaving your present position?” I put together an honest, calm, factual reply in my head and went into the interview.

Embrace the advantage you have of still being employed and you will have a much more positive “first impression” in new job interviews! .

Do your research

When looking for new employment, this tip holds true whether you are still employed or not. It is also something that shows character on your part. You have taken extra time to show a deep interest in the company, giving the interviewer incentive to talk to you further.

If you are unsure of the value of taking an extra step to find out more about a potential employer, just look into the interviewer’s eyes and face when you give a “tidbit” of information you found interesting about their company. Often, I find that hearing a compliment from me about their company immediately raises an interviewer’s attention toward me.

State relevant information only

This may sound simple. But, employers can spend a great deal of time and money “molding” an employment opening, looking for a candidate that clearly fits the job.

Unless even your most outstanding accomplishments are relevant to the job opening, leave them out of the interview. I am very proud of my ability to make sauces, but it held no value in my last interview for a new foodservice position. So, I left that treasured accomplishment out of the conversation.

By drawing attention to only skills and knowledge that will help you in the position offered, you will leave the interviewer with the idea you are ready to change, taking only what you need to succeed.

Don't get discouraged by multiple interviews

Do you remember what it took to get your present position? I do. I spent a half-hour every day, for five days, in interviews to land my present job. Also, one of my recent interviews was with a company that has a standard “two visit” policy before a decision is made, allowing both department heads to evaluate potential candidates.

Look at multiple interviews as a plus, with employers taking a deeper interest in you, and you stand a better chance of remaining with a positive attitude.

Pace yourself and follow through to the end

Interviews are exhausting, especially after putting in a full day’s work, then submitting yourself to one. My last interview involved a thirty-minute drive through rush hour traffic, after I left work.

Trust me, if you experience anything like I just mention, you will need a few moments to gather your thoughts, stretch even, and try to restore energy before the interview. An interview is the LAST place to show a lack of energy.

Help your employer leave the welcome mat out for you in the future

Even if you don’t get the job you interview for now, times change and new positions open up. When you leave each interview, leave with a smile and a positive, lasting impression. Also, if you are contacted with a decision letter, stating that you weren’t selected, reply with a thank you and state your interest in possible future opportunities.

Treat yourself afterwards

Treat yourself after an interview –You put your “best” into an interview, clearly showing what you can offer in a personable and professional manner. Now, it’s time to reward yourself for a job well-done. After a great interview, I like to reward myself with a candy bar. It is a small reward, but it feels good just the same.

The world is moving fast, employment opportunities are moving fast, and people are living in a world full of more choices everyday.

Whether your workplace environment is at the root of your feelings for needing a job change, or it is something inside yourself, setting your mind and your resume to exactly what you want in a new job will help you successfully navigate the interview process and make a new step to a better career and a richer life.

Copyright, 2007, David Duncan

David Duncan lives in in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He has spent the last twenty-five years in the Food/Hospitality industry in various leadership roles. In 1994, he graduated from Metropolitan State University (Saint Paul) with a degree in Non-Profit Administration. David also runs an independent home business together with his wife, Margaret. You can contact David at david.duncan2006@hotmail.com. Visit David and Margaret on the Web at: http://www.ryze.com/go/dmtduncan.

Some Related Articles:

How to Appear Confident, and Assertive, in an Interview
How Not to Get Your Foot in the Door
Better Left Unsaid: How to Avoid Foot-in-Mouth Interviews
Embarrassing Moments and Other Challenging Interview Questions
Five Steps to Reinvent Your Career
Don't Call Us. We'll Call You: How to Lose a Job Over the Phone