View a Job Interview as an Opportunity

Let’s face it—interviews can be stressful. Some might view them as a hurdle between applying for a new gig and a great new job. But instead, they should be viewed as an opportunity.

Interviews provide job candidates with a chance to become a three-dimensional figure instead of just a résumé on a computer screen. To take advantage of that opportunity, come prepared to add depth to the profile interviewers have of you on hand.

That means:

• Take time to listen to questions before you answer.
• Explain things you’ve done in the past, and the impact you’ve had, in a clear and concise way.
• Prepare stories that you want to highlight and then figure out how you can fit them into a question being asked.
• Always have a question ready for the interviewer about the industry.
• Don’t hesitate to come up with other questions as the interview moves along, as it shows you are listening.
• Remember that nonverbal communication like facial expressions and eye contact is a form of communication.