Does anyone have any great interviewing techniques?
Asked by karnotda
When I have an interview I get extremely nervous and my speach gets slurred, I also get a mental block and forget everything, therefore causing me to draw a complete blank during the interview. I need some great interviewing techniques. I have an interview coming up that pays double of what I make now and I really want to get the job. I however do not want to get nervous and I also do not want to lack confidence. What are the things I can do to impress and get the job. Please help me, I really want the job!!!!

Best Answer:
I am in a management position that requires me to conduct second level interviews. Don't worry...from my vantage point, the people conducting interviews understand that you are going to be nervous. Its part of the game and most people conducting an interview look a little deeper than that. Its expected that you will worry. Here's some tips... -Get a good night's sleep before your interview. -Wake up in time to give yourself a chance to relax, sit at your table, look out the window, and have a nice breakfast. -Prepare for your interview ahead of time. Rehearse your backround out loud to yourself or a friend. Have your friend ask you some mock interview questions, so you can sound comfortable answering them. -Have all of your materials with you in a binder. Neatness counts. Have a clean copy of your updated resume and be prepared to answer questions about it. -Most employers will ask you why you want to leave your current position. Have an answer ready that does not make it sound like you are complaining about your current job and especially the management. Use words like "looking for new opportunities", "want a position that can provide growth", etc. -Your character is also important to an interviewer. Be humble, but speak up, clearly and concisely. Don't bad-mouth former employees, job, or management. Play up that you are an honest person, creative, have initiative, punctual, etc. Good luck, I'm sure that you will do just fine. Try not to think that you've always been nervous, so you always will be. That's not the case. Self-confidence and a firm hand-shake!!!!

Dress well. Speak clearly. Think before you speak. And finally -- the two most important thing: 1. Never lie about anything. If you don't know something admit it & ask them to explain it. 2. Don't gorget that they aren't just interviewing you -- you are interviewing them, too. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If there is something important to you -- don't be afraid to let it out -- even if it means not getting the job. For example, I need to be able to question my boss's orders -- and if he is uncomfortable about that -- I don't want to work for him.
Answered by Taranto

Depending on the type of job, review or practice answering some general questions before the interview. for example: Why do you want to work for ____ company. or Why do you want this position. Why would you be the best candidate for this position. Remembe that you need to market yourself, if you are asked a question that you do not know how to answer, make the best of it to make you sound intelligent, Dont use, "uh. uhm, and hum.." too much. and answer it honestly have a friend interview you and ask you some questions related to the position or company. research the company before the interview so you can see what type of questions or employees they are going to need.
Answered by Marillita

Have a list of questions about the job and the company. Keep it in writing in front of you and make a point of referencing it during the interview. This shows that you have taken the time to prepare, and that you are interested. This also takes a little pressure off of you because the interviewer will have a chance to talk about themselves, the company, their role, etc. I really like the book "Knock 'em Dead" by Martin Yate. If you have time, go to the library and look up some of his interviewing tips (or buy a copy of the book for yourself). His techniques helped me land jobs and prepare for promotions. Good luck!
Answered by reed

Practice answering questions. Maybe a friend could read a list of interview questions to you and you can practice answering them. A lot of companies now use a technique called behavioral based interviewing. This is when they ask you questions like 'Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with somebody you worked with. What was the situation, what action did you take, and what was the outcome?' Be prepared for these types of questions and make sure that you answer all parts of the questions because they use them to see if you can follow directions. (Answering all parts of the questions.)
Answered by rlc_60504

Gnerate some common interview questions and get a tape recorder... record yourself or someone else asking the questions on the tape recorder... play the recording during every possible moment you have time alone to yourself (while driving in a car)... answer the questions repeatedly unitl you're able to answer clearly and without stammering. Follow that up with some recorded questions that are unknown to you.
Answered by E. Gads

I am a manger in a casino and when i interview an applicant the first the i notice is eye contact so always look the person interviewing you in the eyes. Try not to be nervous and take your time in answering the questions depending what type of job it is depends on the interviewers style. Make sure you have told the entire truth on your application as well so it does not come back to haunt you. Lear about the company you are applying for so you are knowledgeable about them and so you can ask questions as well this makes you look very good as well. If you are asked why should we hire you have an answer ready tell them why you would like to work for them and what quality's you can bring in to the company. In the interview stay relaxed and keep your focus on the person interviewing you its just like sitting down talking to a friend but there just asking questions getting to know you as a person as well so just pretend you are meeting someone new for the first time relax and go with the flow and good luck to you.
Answered by bandit6464

First, you have to get over the nerve thing; I used to interview hundreds of people and the ones who appeared confident(not cocky), didn't say "um", but rather paused before answering, and were upfront about not knowing an answer instead of bull shit==== me, were usually called back for a 2nd interview; don't lie on the application, study up on the company(try to get a financial report so you know who all the players are and the state of the company), dress nicely, clean your nails, shake the hand firmly but not too strong; do ask about what they're looking for in a candidate, and benefits...don't talk salary unless they bring it up; the interviewer may be sneaky and ask you what you're looking for $$$ wise; make sure you do your homework and find out what the industry standard is for your level of experience and answer appropriately; and above all...NEVER bad mouth your old boss/company; "Don't Burn Bridges" as we say in the biz!!! Good Luck...Oh, one way to get over the nerves thing....just tell yourself that it's any other day and practice talking to yourself in the mirror...sounds crazy, but it works!
Answered by sweet ivy lyn

Definately, no matter how awkward, make eye contact with whoever is interviewing you. Don't be shy to say that you are nervous if you feel yourself getting anxious. If you are really that worried take an anti-anxiety pill. That could work
Answered by Melissa F

read some tips and articles on on careers and much more on this site that will help you
Answered by yums

Go to your local library and get some books on interviews. It might help. Also, when they are asking questions, you can imagine that they are naked and you are not!!! It might help. Its an old tactic. Good Luck.
Answered by winona e

well first of all give a very firm handshake when you meet the interviewer. you should ATLEAST ask 3 questions. figure out what most of the people are wearing at the job site and try to wear similar clothing. have A LOT of eye contact. and if you can't really do that then look at the wall behind him or somthing don't look at random places or things. just focus on the interviewer and thats all the advice i can give you.
Answered by anonymous

Look them straight in the eye all the time.
Answered by niccinono

yes dress appropriately firm handshake good eye contact walk in thinking.. "They deserve to have me work for them"
Answered by car_craze_gal

The best remedy for nerves is preparation. 1. on the web go to "job description search tool" and type in the name of the job title to see which skills you have to offer the company. 2.Research the company so you can relate your skills to the needs of the company 3. on the web type in "free interview questions" and practice answers. 4. Don't discuss salary unless they bring it up. I usually ask what the salary range is. But you've already said it pays twice what you're making. Be prepared for the question "what is your weakness." I turn a positive into a negative like "I'm impatient with people who give less than 100%, but as a team player I've learned to pick up the slack unless it continues, then I talk to them about it". The other one is what are your strengths? Why do you want to work for us is getting at company goals and how your skills can help them meet them. It's all about how you can contribute to profits. You should ask questions too. You are selling yourself to them and them to you.Once you interview them you may end up not wanting the job after all. A good job is not just about money. How is the environment, benefits, etc. Ask about their training policy if you're hired (who would train you, is there formal training later). How long would it be before you'd be expected to be up to speed. Why did the last person leave? When you research them on the internet be sure and look at the company staff so you know who is the top dog.Dress for success--suit, tie, shirt, shined shoes. Don't be too early--about 5 minutes. Prepare a good resume, cover letter, and thank you letter to be sent after the interview. Use the search engine "altavista" to try and find a free sample. Be prepared to walk in and there are 5 or 6 people. Just look at each one during the interview. Otherwise the rules are the same. It's just a game.Good Luck
Answered by hardrock

Try preparing possible questions in advance AND ...then.... you have to answer the questions aloud in front of the mirror. Look at yourself. If what you see pleases you... boy... it will also please the interviewer. It is us who is the best critic for ourselves. Goodluck.... i will pray for you, promise.
Answered by witch27

Imagine that the interviewers are in their underwear like Ricky Bobby.
Answered by Brian

Aside from the obvious tips, like dressing well and being on time, try to be confident. I know that nerves can make you want to throw up on your interviewer's shoes, but don't let it show. Stop fidgeting, speak clearly, and THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!! After the question is asked, stop, think, then answer. Be sure not to jump the gun or interrupt the interviewer before they're done asking the question. Best of luck to you and your career!
Answered by Bella33

be kind, be comical, and be direct you won't get the scoop you really want without gaining thier trust and friendship.
Answered by Celebrity

Learn everything you can about the open job and them tell them what you can do for them. Be honest so you don't have to get nervous,
Answered by Sari S

You gotta stop saying to yourself "I really want the job". Basically, you gotta appear more confident than you look. Behavior is everything. Don't wave your hands like at a coffee shop. Eye contact always. Never mumble "uuuhhhh" or "mmmmmhh". Pause with you words and never hurry them, don't STUTTER. Every minute of the interview is your time, not theirs. They think they're the ones to be in charge. No, you are in charge. Basically confidence like before, is the primary motivator to get your interviewer interested. Remember that each question is one you banged before and later had a beer to wash all the crap out. Yeah that's right, what you answer to the interviewer is believable as long as its believable. When you get them to respond to a question of yours after you answer one of their questions, the playing field has turned just enough for you to flow right into every other question they throw at your. If the interviewer laughs together with you, then you're doing good.
Answered by JOHNNY D

I was luckier than you I guess, I went to apply for a 'sous chef's' position at a Marriot hotel, it was really fancy. I went downstairs to the lower kitchen, (they had 3 kitchens) and the assistant manager met me and introduced me to the 'executive chef' his name was "Chef Chuck Forespring" and liked to be called Chuck. I was SOOOOO nervous. He asked me, after I sat down in his office, What can you do? I started telling him about my saut'e and broiler char'ed and otherwise and grill and deep fry dipping, the whole works, my salads, soups, years of growing up in a family restaurant as a child, learning recipes from master chef's from Hollywood, everything. When I was finished, he looked at me and said, " Go upstairs and cook me a fu_cking hamburger, and if I can eat it, you are hired. That was the hardest hamburger I ever cooked in my 25 years in the business at the time, now 45 years, but he ate it and hired me. My speech was slurred too, don't worry about it. GO FOR IT
Answered by ronscott1951

Be on time and dress well.speak clearly.
Answered by lanie1713

Dress professionally Speak clearly Make eye contact Have a firm but not crushing handshake! Limp handshakes suck and many times really turn perspective employers off.......first impressions ya know! Good luck hon! I get a nervous laugh myself. LOL
Answered by Ambervisions

http://www.monster.com has pages of info on interviewing, and real life examples!!
Answered by helixburger

Just be yourself...you'll do fine!
Answered by Josh

Some basic rules: Dress properly, look clean and hygiene, sit straight, be relaxed, be positive and be yourself, do not swear or use slang. Be prepared, learn as much as you can about the company you are interviewing for, if you know someone inside the company ask them questions beforehand, show that you are interested in the company and that you did your homework. Never be late, do not lie, be precise in your answers. Be prepared to answer what are your strengths and weaknesses, Do not be afraid to talk about your weaknesses, saying that you do not have any does not show self esteem but a lack of self awareness, everybody has strengths and weaknesses. And do not forget to ask questions about the company, it shows you are well rounded and that you think things through. If you can, give examples of times were you were at your best and why during the interview and when appropriate. Do not cut off the interviewer to answer, let them finish and listen carefully before you answer. Have a short and concise resume and talk about your experience on current or older jobs. Have a great interview and have fun, we only live once, we might as well enjoy it.
Answered by MadeinHonduras

if you are after tips then you'll reach nowhere coz it will never stop they are Good but at times tips may contradict each other so go deep into your self ,find what you have and come out with what you have then just blast with that remember one thing nobody is perfect No matter what happens never quit fighting ,fighting the battle of your life . Goodluck
Answered by Mr George

I work with a very large international construction firm and have been with them for almost 20 years. Unfortunately I have to interview with client representatives prior to each project assignment. What I try to do to make it easier on myself is to imagine that the interviewer is my younger brother or sister and relate to them as if I have had a relationship for years. It's easy to picture an interviewer as someone of power and influence but if you realize that the person has probably locked him or herself out of their car this morning or spilled coffee on their clothes (in other words just another person trying to do their best in the job just like you) you can relate to them on a more personal level. Understand that the interviewer is likely just as nervous as you because of the decision to hire someone right is hers or his and the boss will be unhappy with the wrong choice. Be natural and sincere but excited about the prospect of applying your own talent to the new job.
Answered by teresa h

The best advice I can give you is to be yourself. If you are yourself you will be full of confidence. BE A REAL PERSON Don't try to be someone you are not, or you'll have to live up to that if you get the job. FOCUS ON THE GOOD THINGS THAT YOU HAVE DONE EVEN IF THEY DO NOT SEEM RELAVENT TO THE JOB! People can give you all the tips they want, but when it comes down to it, you have to be yourself. I interview people for a living and these are the things I constantly look for. Try not to use sentences that reference your point of view, interviewers deal in facts only.
Answered by trevor22in

mmmmmmmm cant say but if a person is taking your interview he must be having good knowlelge
Answered by sandy s

Might try this. Practice is the best way to seem confident and not be nervous. Ask a friend to ask you typical interview questions while you stand in front of a mirror and watch yourself answer them. You might also want to buy a tape recorder and record your answers at the same time and later listen to your responses. Also, take some interviews for some jobs that are not a priority to you. Hope this helps.
Answered by Steve & Patti I

If you have access to a camcorder, tape yourself and someone else asking you questions. If that is not possible, practice in front of a mirror.
Answered by pamspraises

Best thing you can do is rehearse your butt off. You know what the questions are - practice your responses.
Answered by M S

Define in detail how you want to perform in the interview: Describe to yourself in words the way you want to be. How would you look and sound to a neutral observer? e.g. I see myself in an interview room sitting by a desk. I look relaxed, and I am smiling, alert and energetic. I am paying close attention to the other people in the room. My posture is upright and I am making conversation easily and effortlessly. I exude confidence. Mentally rehearse the interview from the perspective of an observer: In your imagination visualize yourself at the interview comfortable and at ease meeting people, feeling relaxed and confident. Pretend that you are observing yourself from the other side of the room. The trick here is to imagine events unfolding in vivid 3D with rich colors. For many people, making the image large and close also helps to make it feel more realistic. Have fun playing with the image until it seems as real as watching T.V. or a movie screen. Take care also to introduce sounds - maybe the scratching of a pen on paper, the squeak of a moving chair or the sound of your own voice exuding authority and confidence. You can make sounds come to life by turning up the volume as you imagine that you are listening to full, resonant sounds in the room so that it is as if you are really there. Introduce feeling as well - sense the atmosphere in the room, the temperature and mood, and soak up the aura of success that you exude in the imagined picture. Then introduce different scenarios for different types of people you may encounter. Imagine talking to someone who is putting you under pressure! See yourself politely dealing with everything thrown at you. What will you do if you are left sitting there facing a wall of silence? See yourself acting decisively and without fear to move onto the next opportunity to create rapport. Picture yourself at ease whoever you talk to, it is especially important to consider worst-case scenarios and to visualize yourself handling each challenge with unstoppable confidence. Mentally rehearse the interview from your own perspective: When you are pleased with the imagined performance you are producing, step inside the image of yourself and run through the scenarios again as if YOU are now doing it. See, feel and hear it as if it is really happening. This time, you are looking out into the world from your own eyes, so your arms are directly in front of you with people facing you, as you feel your clothes on your body. Allow it all to unfold in great detail - make it as real as possible by letting your imagination free to create a rich and colorful panoramic view of a successful day. Finally, pay special attention again to feelings, really spend time imagining yourself feeling exactly the way you want to feel, and then crank it up and double the intensity until it could not possibly get any better. Then, imagine it even better again! Set up a peak performance signal: Ask yourself - what signal will you use as a reminder to use your ability to perform in this way? I use the feeling of sitting on my own and getting tense as my mind goes blank. The signal can be something you see, feel or hear inside or outside yourself and it must happen at or close to the point of wanting to speak to someone. Other examples include seeing yourself surrounded by a group of strangers, hearing someone ask you your opinion, or the feeling that you want to be more outgoing even as you feel yourself getting more self-conscious right now - why not use self-consciousness to trigger better communication skills! Imagine the signal happening and visualize yourself performing at your best in the interview. Some final points. Like anything in life it takes time to get really good at mental rehearsal. Using this visualization technique for twenty minutes a day will train your brain to perform new behaviors. The results will astound you. Judge mental rehearsal by trying it out in the real world and decide for yourself how effective it can be. Use it to prepare for those crucial job interviews and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are performing at your very best. Eventually you will be able to use this approach in day-to-day situations on the spur of the moment by focusing on using the power of your imagination. Good luck :)
Answered by still breathing

Try www.careerjournal.com
Answered by murphy51024

Easy¡¡¡... of course a good preparation will give you more confidence, you have to find out information about the company, which is his culture, their characteristic, talking of the job..... they ask you about your last job, why did you leave it, how was your relation with yours mates, what do you want in this new job(you tell them that you want to grow with the company) what are your fortress and weakness( you said that you have a lot of flexibility, that you know to work as a team player, that you have enterprise, also said as a weakness, that you are too much obsessive with your work, and sometimes too much responsible) Don't show yourself desperate, show your inters, but not in a excessive way GOOD LUCK¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
Answered by Santo

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you already have a job, so what do you have to lose? This should help with your nerves. Also try not to memorize a lot of different things to say, the key things you need to know is a little about the company that you are interviewing with, and two questions that you would like to ask the interviewer (this shows that you are really interested in the job). Here are two simple questions: you can ask them how many employees get promoted and how often do they promote their employees? You can ask this at the end of the interview when they ask if you have any questions. You are experiencing these anxiety because you don't have a lot of experience doing interviews, you should get interviewing questions and have mock interviews with your family and friends, this way you are more comfortable with answering questions, time yourself to provide pressure. My final tip is to take some deep breathes before going into the interview, keep eye contact and smile.
Answered by Jill

Every day, write: I, (your full name), will PWN my interview with (hopeful employer). Write that 20 times each day, while imagining yourself at the interview, doing extremely well. Remember, the more you belive it, the more it will come true.
Answered by bowlingcap

You have nothing to lose. You need to be confident and believe in what you are saying. Worry about what you actually said before and after but not during. You should also practice with a family member or friend.
Answered by liljomo1234

Well, I wouldnt plan in advance everything youre gonna say to begin with. I would have an idea as how you want to portray yourself and keep that in mind while answering questions. Never ask questions about vacation or sick days. After they ask you something, think before you answer and try not to blurt anything. Appear confident and try to give off the impression that youre interviewing them and they would be lucky to have you with out saying it. Make eye contact and employ a strong handshake. Also, dress nice, in accordance with the type of job, and make sure you have nice shoes. Studies show thats one of the first things people notice about a dress ensemble.
Answered by drunkbomber

I don't know if you will read this one but, there is one thing that I do at all of the interviews I've had (which I have always gotten the job) is first of all forget it's a job interview, think of it as just meeting someone new, and you are trying to get to know them, tell them the things you know they want to hear first of all, and then ask questions of your own, about the job and the interviewer, I am not talking about on a really personal point but, everyday things that may be directed to the job they have and the job you are trying to get. I hope this helps you out some what........... Good Luck...........Lil Angel
Answered by Reddbone*Wifey68

the one tip i have found when interviewing is simple, eye contact, be attentive, well groomed and dont speak unless asked to, i had a person tell me once that the reason we have 2 ears and 1 mouth is so we can listen twice as much as we talk.
Answered by ohyeahn8

Think of what they will ask you. The one that trips me up is: What weaknesses do you have? Try to spin it so that you show that a weakness is turning into a strength. Also, dress professionally, look them in the eye, be relaxed and confident. They are lucky to be interviewing you, not vise versa. Finally, if they ask if you have questions, have a question or two. Ask what you would want to know if you were taking the job right then. Turnover stuff, if you will. I usually ask about training and anything I can think of specific to the job. Wait until a follow up interview before you talk about compensation, unless the interviewer brings it up. Good luck to you.
Answered by Schmorgen

Hi, you've got a good question, and I think you've received a lot of good answers so far. Most of my suggestions have already been mentioned by others, but I'll give them anyway. Here are just basic things: 1. Be honest when answering the interviewer's questions. For example, if he / she asks if you've ever used a particular software program and you haven't, it's ok to say "No, I don't know that program, but I have used _______." 2. Dress appropriately--a clean, ironed suit and tie always works. No dandruff on the suit; shoes should be shined. 3. Be 15 minutes early. Make sure you know how to get to the place. Use a map search engine; maybe make a dry run the day before if you're not sure how to get there. 4. Try to research the company a little beforehand, so that you can ask some questions about what it's like to work there. If you get a chance, you might ask the interviewer, "What do you like the most about working here?" For your nervousness, you might try practicing with a friend several days before the interview. Take care of miscellaneous chores around the house, like getting groceries, several days before so that they're not on your mind the day of the interview. The day of the interview, make sure you set your alarm to wake you up at the usual time, make sure you have a good breakfast and lunch (depending on when it is), and leave yourself enough time to get there. Then, try to relax during interview. When the interview is over, congratulations, you made it through! If you get the job, great. But if you don't get the job, it doesn't mean you did a bad interviewing job, because all kinds of things can influence who gets the job. If you don't get it, don't worry; just keep looking. Eventually, you'll get to where you want to be. Good luck!
Answered by Christopher M

Try and think abot some questions that they may ask. Practice your answer. Try to do it with a friend or family member.Practice eye contact. Dress nicely for your interview. BLack or gray or something neutral. Don't wear too much cologne. your interviewer may find it unpleasant or may be allergic. Speak as clearly as you can. It's okay to take a moment to think but limit the moment to about 30secs.Ohh.. yes and RELAX.
Answered by archonette08

be nice, be honest. tell them that you are a little nervous and say that you hope they understand. everybody is human and they have to understand. talk about your strong points, your current job and all positive experiences. turn every negative thing into a positive. you can even turn the fact that you are nervous into a good thing by emphasizing that you are a go getter, hard worker and an achiever. best of luck!
Answered by Diana G

TELL THEM WHAT YOU THINK THEY WANT TO HEAR
Answered by flowerspirit2000

Take a copy of your resume in to the interview WITH YOU. It will help you to focus and answer questions about your employment, etc.
Answered by cyanne2ak

think that being nervous is not going to help you to anyway. just before you entre the room where there is interview just think about yourself and your family... you are going to get a energy which will make you fell energetic and you won't be nervous.... if you still are then think all the benifts you are going to miss you miss this job.... if still you get nervoud then think you what?? i don't care about my nervousness all what i have to do is to get this job that's it i have one shot and this the golden chance of my life. if you still are nervous then think of your children(if you have) what you can buy for them and make them for rest of their lifes. and still you are nervous then think that of couse you can do it if you made it your current job then of couse you can do the same magic in this interview also. And Good Luck!!! I Wish you all the Best!!! May you have this Job
Answered by Smile