Job Interview Strategies - 10 Strategies To Ace ANY Job Interview 

Job interview strategies are important for making sure the interview goes smoothly and that you and the employer both get what you want from the interview. Whilst the employer will have job interview questions and techniques lined up for you, it's important to handle them as effectively as you can via these 10 common, yet proven job interview strategies that follow...

1. Know the company you're applying to work for

This doesn't just mean the name of the company, the interviewer's name and how long they have been in business. This means knowing exactly what they do, who their competition is and what sort of clients they have. Yes, this is all important even if you're going to be the tea boy or girl for 6 months.

2. Implant your resume on your brain

Nobody expects you to recite every word of your resume, but the key facts and figures would be useful. Even though the employer will have your resume to hand, this doesn't mean that you should be lazy. After all, there is every chance they will question aspects of your resume and even ask you to elaborate on it. Don't be caught out with a look that says "I don't know what you're reffering to..."

3. Have you got the tools for the trade?

There's nothing worse than when your pen runs out of ink or you are scratching around for peices of paper trying to take notes. Worse still, when the employer wants to read your resume but doesn't bring one to the interview, and neither did you.So be prepared with pens, resume copies, some water (usually supplied) and a sturdy, fresh new notepad.

4. Know the job, not just the company

So you've learnt the 50 years of trading history of Company X, and you can even recite their mission statement and health and safety ruless...that's great! But what about the job you are actually applying for? Don't forget to study the skills required, the hours and the environment. Match all of the job aspects to your resume and preferred working environment and you will appear a much more suitable candidate for the job.

5. Manners, manners!

Make eye contact with the people holding the interview. Don't let nerves force your eyes to the ground as this will make you disconnected from the potential employer. Be friendly and keep smiling, no matter how nervous you are. Remember to shake hands and only sit down when others do so, or when asked to. Conversly, stand up if another authority enters the room.

8. Let yourself shine

Don't be afraid to really sell yourself and your skills, because that's what you're there for! The best way to demonstrate your ability for the job in question is to provide solid, real life examples of your abilities in your previous employment. In fact, there will be many questions that arise that ask you to provide examples of key skills that you've used in the past, so come prepared with a few good examples of your various skills.

9. Be yourself

Every interview is an assessment of not only your skills but your personality too. Nobody is judging you, more seeing if you're suitable for their particular company/environment/job vacancy. If you don't open up and be yourself, it's only you that suffers in the long run, should you get the job. If the employer thinks you fir the position but you've been acting like a different person, then naturally you're not going to fit in as well or cope with the job once you start.

10. Get back to them sooner than the rest

Many people still don't bother to follow up with their job applications. A simple thankyou is a great gesture and can be all it takes to tip the vote in your favour. Plus, it keeps you on the forefront of the employer's mind which is always good if the interview went well.