Today's the big day! You're about to interview for that job of a lifetime, but so are two dozen other candidates. How do you gain the competitive edge? How can you make yourself stand out from the crowd? You know your credentials are good. Your job-related experience is exactly what they are looking for, and if paper proof (your resume) were enough, you'd be a "shoe-in." The paper can get you the interview, but what happens during the interview can be, and usually is, the deciding factor. It is during this time that the interviewer is going to decide if you are "right" for his company and "right" means:

How do you prepare and how do you conduct yourself to the best advantage? Following are some very important guidelines and techniques that could prove helpful:

1. Do some research so that you are prepared. Try to know the company with whom you are interviewing. Definitely study its Web site and any important links. Try to learn something about the history of the company. Know their main product or service. Find out if the company is conservative or aggressive. What are their goals? What kind of growth have they experienced? Are they looking for someone who is ready to take on the world or an employee who doesn't rock the corporate boat?
Also, try to think like an interviewer. What questions are likely to be asked? Spend some time before your interview reviewing possible questions in your mind. You will be more confident of your answers.

If are working with a placement consultant, ask as many details as possible about the job.

2. Dress accordingly. Does that sound to obvious to mention? Well, it isn't! In an interview, first impressions are everything. If you do not make a good impression the first time out, you will not get a second chance. You may be a free-thinking, free-spirited individual on your off-time, but when a company is look for somebody to fit into the corporate mold, you had best be able to adapt. Dress for the interview, not the job! Your dress, attitude, tone of voice, and mannerisms all combine to create a strong impression. Also, be well rested and comfortable before you go to an interview. A good breakfast or lunch will help. Don't have any alcoholic beverages before your interview.

3. Be early, be on your best behavior, and bring resumes. Get good directions to the facility, or do a "dry run" before your appointment. Be courteous to everyone you meet. Bring copies of your resume, in case they are needed. Try to learn in advance the name or names of those who will conduct the interview; ask for the business cards of those you are speaking with, and follow the interview with a written thank you note. Sit at the edge of your chair and keep good eye contact with your interviewer. When you meet each interviewer, stand up, smile and greet them with a friendly handshake.

4. If you are offered an application, fill it out. Many companies will judge your ability to follow directions, how well you can process handwritten records and your willingness to cooperate by your application. Don't write "see resume" on the application. Be honest. If there is something that needs talking about, such as your reasons for leaving a position, write in "will discuss." Salary requirements should be "open" for negotiation, allowing you to be flexible for the right position.

5. During the interview, answer questions simply and directly. Avoid rambling, theoretical responses and volunteer only requested information. In other words, know when to talk and when to listen. Avoid speaking in haste and always stick to the subject. That does not mean you can't be friendly and look for some common ground that will precipitate a more relaxed dialogue between you and the interviewer. It simply means that when the interviewer asks a question, he should know what you said and not have to sort through some theoretical nonsense that only convinces him you do not know what you are talking about.

Remember! An interview is a "conversation with a purpose" and your purpose is to convince the prospective employer that you can do the job better than any other candidate.

6. Bring samples of your work and highlight the "success" points with confidence, not arrogance. If your work is good, it will speak for itself. You will need only to embellish on the high points and provide some background information. When the interviewer tells you what needs to be done in this position, relate your experience to their needs. Let them know that you can do this job. Be certain to remember positions you have held in the past and the nature of your responsibilities. It will be to your advantage. Speak positively about former positions. Now is not the time to find fault with your previous employers.

7. If you have no prior job experience, draw from other experiences (ie, service record, school record, community activities.) Use them in addition to, or in place of, references to work experience.

8. If the interviewer raises an objection or asks a question for which you are unprepared, think before you respond. Do not feel intimidated. Try to discover the reason for the objection or question, then handle it simply and directly. The interviewer is not your enemy out to trick you or make you look foolish. Only you can do that. Keep the interview in perspective. The interviewer's job is to select the best candidate. To do that, he must employ his best interviewing techniques to sort the paper from the people. Everyone he is interviewing may look good on paper, but that does not mean that each and every one is suited for his firm.

9. It helps to remember that "interviewers are people,too." They have good days and bad days just like everyone else. So employ whatever "people skills" you possess. Those skills can help you strike the right chemistry, and if, at some point, the choice is down to you and one other candidate, "chemistry" could make the difference. And if you want the job, convey your enthusiasm. A simple, "thank you for your time. I am interested in being considered for the position" is excellent.

10. Also, remember that an interview is a two-way street. While the interviewer is trying to decide if his company wants you, you should be deciding if you want his company. If you have concerns, voice them. If you have questions, ask them, but, above all, choose your questions carefully. Now is not the best time to ask if you could have every other Thursday off or if executive washroom privileges come with the job. You might think that anyone being interviewed for a job would exercise common sense, but that isn't always the case. Many an interview has been unsuccessful because the candidate buried himself with an unreasonable demand or truly idiotic question. You want to favorably impress the interviewer. Asking questions that reflect careful thought and confidence will do just that.

If you are asked about salary, let them know what you have been earning, but be sure to show them that the salary which you will accept depends on the quality and prospects for the position.

11. Provide references and be prepared for a good interviewer to check those references.

12. Be courteous. Thank the interviewer for his time and ask when a decision can be expected.

13. Call us right away! We are the experts in follow up and negotiation. We can help you to get the offer you want. As an interested third party, we can either negotiate for you or say "no" nicely. We can do so much, but only if you call us.

14. After the interview, send a note repeating you interest in the position, showing your confidence in your ability to handle the position and thanking the interviewer for meeting with you. Telephone several days after the interview, repeat your interest in the position, and show confidence in your ability to handle the position.

There is no magic to being a successful candidate. Obviously you need the credentials, but those credentials must be supported by the skills to make the best of an interview. Preparation, common sense and confidence are the common denominator when you are face-to-face with a potential employer. Without them, you're just one of the crowd.

Keep in mind that at least 50% of the time the interviewer is an unpolished interviewer. He may understand the job requirements, but have no idea how to find out if you can do the job. When that happens, you must be better than the interviewer. You cannot afford to be lulled to sleep by an ineffective interview. Use your skills to get the meaningful information. Take control. Be prepared.