By Jacqui Love Marshall

Sometime this year, you may consider making a job move, or better yet, an opportunity for advancement will come your way.

Whatever happens, remember that the competition becomes stiffer with each career move. Even if you’re passionate about the job, have honed your skills to an all-time high and are eager to show your mettle, you’ll have to scale one hurdle – the job interview.

In an era of matchmaking services, consider this analogy: When a company recruits someone, it seeks a suitable match between a candidate and the job/company. So, the job interview is like a “first date” between candidate and company. But that’s where the analogy ends. Forget romance and think business. The role of the candidate is not simply to charm or be charmed.

“Interviewers want to be confident that they are hiring the quintessential person for their position,” says Gail Shih, director of employment for Knight Ridder. “The winning candidate must project an impeccable blend of skill, experience, vision and fit for the role.”

As a candidate, you must do your best to ensure maximum outcomes for yourself. During the interview process, take advantage of chances to prove you are a good match for the job and to explore whether the job and company will optimize your skills, temperament and career goals. Here are strategies to consider:

1.
Do your homework. You are expected to do research about the company, the position, the job requirements, etc. Surf the Internet and the company’s Web site. Moreover, seek input from former and current employees, trusted colleagues or mentors. Garner honest feedback about your readiness and what your challenges are likely to be. If you identify challenges, determine how you will address them in the interview.

2.
Answer concisely and offer specifics. Here, some people never get to first base, rambling or going off on tangents while failing to answer the questions. Saying what you think the person wants to hear without answering directly will not earn points. Make a list of potential interview questions and be prepared to answer them. Formulate a list of examples of your work, with emphasis on results, and use it to illuminate your responses. Be able to describe how you have contributed and will contribute to the bottom line.

3.
Ask insightful questions. Develop a few queries that show you have researched the company and the job you're hoping to land. Direct the dialogue as needed to obtain answers to your own questions, especially about the job and selection process. “Ask how success is measured for the job, the ideal characteristics of an employee, the top three priorities for the position and the key company goals for the year,” Shih says.

4.
Show your passion. Nothing is worse than a bland, lifeless interview. In a world of equally skilled candidates, you must distinguish yourself from the crowd. What makes you special? Are you eager to do this job, excited about joining this company? Why? To leave a memorable imprint on the interviewer who may see five other people today, exude energy and infuse passion into your remarks.

5.
Discuss your diversity as an asset. Be prepared to discuss diversity factors you bring to a company and how they add value to your portfolio of skills and experiences. Discern whether diversity is part of the company’s strategic plan and whether yours will be valued and tapped.

“Many make the mistake of focusing their attention on compensation and benefits,” Shih says. “A company’s core values shape the work culture, how decisions get made and how people are treated. And commitment to diversity is a telling indicator of the vision and future success of the company.”

6.
Be honest. Dishonesty will negate all other assets. If you need to explain a negative situation such as a demotion or firing, address the issue squarely. Don’t exaggerate or stretch the reality of your background to impress the interviewer. Don’t avoid or dance around difficult questions. If you lack a particular skill, say so, and then offer ways you can gain that experience or describe skills you possess that may offset lack of the desired skill.

7.
Stay in the interview “zone”. Prepare a few choice statements about your strengths and insert them into your responses where appropriate. Be alert throughout the interview. If you become too relaxed, you may talk too much or act too casually. Some interviewers work to put you at ease so you will get “loose lips.” Don’t wind up regretting what you share in a chatty moment.

Finally, here are a few “need-I-say-more?” reminders:

Arrive early. Get driving directions and be aware that you may encounter traffic and parking challenges.
Dress appropriately. First impressions are proven selection factors. Define the work culture and dress within it. Once hired, you may be able to express your personal style.
Don’t criticize. Disparaging comments about co-workers and the company raise doubts about your integrity and judgment.
Line up references. Alert them that they may be contacted, and bring contact information with you.
Manage the process to the end. Send thank-you letters to all interviewers. Make them personal, and affirm your enthusiasm and fit for the position. Inquire about the next steps.
Assuming you get the job, a celebration is in order. But your work has just begun. Continue tracking the company’s performance and industry trends. Start reading material relative to your new role and company news. Maintain contact with future co-workers, and seek advice on important aspects of the workplace.

If you’re not hired and are unsatisfied with your efforts, don’t stress. Your ideal job may be just around the corner. Try my philosophy: Don’t get mad, get better! Spend time perfecting your interviewing skills and strategies, and be ready to step in when the next door opens.