8 Tips to a Successful Job Interview

Hey gang.  So tomorrow I am conducting interviews for an open clerk position at the law enforcement agency where I am a supervisor.  That said, I got to thinking and I want to share with you some tips on having a successful job interview.  Hopefully you'll find this advice useful in furthering your own careers or getting your first job.

1) Respect the job you are applying for.  A lot of times I've heard the phrase "stepping stone" in reference to the job they are interviewing for.  This turns interviewers off immediately.  They understand that on the entry level no one plans on staying there, but they are interviewing you for that position right now.  You want to go higher, prove yourself on level 1 first.

2) Be honest, but use common sense in your answers.  If you don't know one of the job skills, tell us, but tell us you are willing to learn.  Don't shrug and say you don't know and leave it like that.

3) In fact, don't shrug at all.  Remember part of your communication is non verbal, and a lot can be said in body language.  If you come across as unprofessional in your mannerisms, then you are coming across as unprofessional period.

4) Answer like an adult.  It doesn't matter if you've been out of high school 2 days or 20 years, if you use slang and swear, they will ask you to leave.

5) Dress like an adult.  T shirts and jeans are for the mall, not a job interview.

6) Stretch before you go in.  It sounds weird but if you are relaxed physically you will come across more confident.  Even if you don't know half the answers, confidence alone can get you a long way.

7)  Know what the job is you are applying for.  If the interviewer has to read the job description to you to jog your memory, the interview is effectively over.  If they ask "Are you able to do shift work?" and your answer is anything but an unequivocal yes, you probably won't get picked.  They are looking for people to fill the position they advertised for, not fill some of it.

8) Be prepared to earn your stripes.  Should you get the entry level job, understand that promotion will likely be a long way off and you are not entitled to a promotion just because you passed probation.  That means pulling long nights, overtime, weekend, and holidays.  Don't get snippy when you don't get the days off you want right away.

I really hope this helps someone out there.  Please share it as much as you can with people you think it will help.