by Dan Rosenfield

A good resume and cover letter can get you lots of interviews, but they are useless of you can’t “close the deal” with a good interview.

Luckily, you can learn to perform well in interviews. Start with these ten tips.

1. Make sure you remember everything you have said about yourself in your cover letter and resume. Review both the day before your interview if possible.

2. Bring copies of your resume and give one to everyone who interviews you. Be sure they are clean and crisp.

3. Dress appropriately. If in doubt, be conservative.

4. Avoid slang. You want to sound as professional as possible.

5. Do not be critical of past employers, co-workers, or anyone else in your personal or professional life. Do talk about people who have helped and positively influenced you.

6. Maintain good eye contact with your interviewer. Demonstrate your attentiveness by nodding or smiling when appropriate.

7. Carefully research the organization at which you are interviewing. The more you know about it the better.

8. Practice answering the most common interview questions, especially the most difficult ones, and have friends and family critique you.

9. Be sure to arrive on time.

10. Thank your interviewer at the conclusion of the interview, and follow up with a thank you email or note. In addition to your thank you, restate your interest in the position in question.

Ready for a surprise? Here it is; the more the interviewer speaks, the greater the chance you will be offered the position. It’s a fact, confirmed by good research. So, be sure you do not dominate the conversation.

About the Author:
Dan Rosenfield, a former university dean, is the President of The American Educational Guidance Center, which publishes websites on online degree options and accredited online college associate, bachelors, and graduate degree programs.

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