So the call just came in from the job opening you applied for a few weeks back. They want to speak with you about this position and they have set up an interview in the coming weeks. You may feel both excitement and nervousness or if it is has been awhile since you have participated in a professional interview. The best thing to do is to be prepared and to practice so you will make a good impression and stand out from the other candidates being considered for the job. Your resume got the interview scheduled, but now you have to really wow them with your confidence and personality. This can feel intimidating, but if you know what to expect, it will help calm your nerves. The first thing to do is put aside concerns about salary and benefits. Do not bring up how much you will be paid, whether they provide workman’s comp insurance or general liability insurance, and if you will get plenty of vacation time. In some cases, you can ask for a range of salary, but haggling for your offer should not be done until they have made a commitment to hiring you.

You should view your initial interview as a chance to showcase your skills and talents and to learn about what you would be spending your time doing. Both you and the company are trying to determine if you will be a good fit for eachother.

Remember to sell yourself, but do so subtlety. Interviewers love confidence and they love an employee who has a can-do attitude about things. They also enjoy hearing about previous accomplishments and what you enjoyed doing at your last job and why. They will not enjoy being told how happy they will be to have you as an employee. You need to make them think they would be lucky, but saying something like that outright would be perceived as cocky or egotistical. Show that you are personable and you have an easy time getting along with others. No company wants a trouble maker who will stir the pot. Do your best to seem confident and competent without being a braggard.

Prepare to answer challenging questions in a positive manner. Most people expect the typical questions about strengths and weaknesses, so make sure you have an answer ready that is honest but positive. Take some time to combine honesty with something that will seem positive.

Be sure to explain your answers when being interviewed, but there is no need to go overboard. Try to turn weaknesses into something that will be beneficial to the interviewer. For instance, if you are a workaholic, it may be perceived by your friends and family as a weakness, but your new company will love a go-getter.