1. Only apply for jobs that you are well-qualified for. The old adage “apply for every job possible” is usually a waste of time. For every job open, there are a ton of applicants who have the specific experience for that job and you will only stand out above those people if you have more than they have. Stick to your niches and to your areas of strengths to put yourself in a position to ace the interview.

2. Assume that everyone else is as qualified as you are and that they have great personalities. Seek other ways to put your best foot forward and truly make yourself irreplaceable to your future employer-even before you become employed. What can you bump yourself up on?

3. Before your interview, research the employer. Reviewing their website and printed material will give you a heads up about the company and help you appear more knowledgeable about them during your interview.

4. Consider advanced training. Where else can you go in your training? Can you continue education in your field? What about management classes? Consider the education that will help you become more valuable to a potential employer and follow through on it.

5. Ask questions. The interviewer might give you a chance to ask questions during the interview. Questions that are somewhat in-depth about the company are great as they show that you want to learn more. Be wary about asking for specific salary, benefits, etc. Of course you have the right to know these but it can give the impression that those are the only important things to you. Save them for after the employer calls you about the next step in the process.

6. Bring your references to the interview and a copy of your resume, even if you have already turned them in. I can’t tell you how many times an employer is unable to dig them up for interviews or “didn’t have time to go back to the office to grab them” but it has happened to me. It saves everyone time and grief if you can just hand another copy over.

7. Dress professionally. Shake hands firmly. Look your interviewer in the eye. Beware of nervous habits such as leg bouncing, twisting hair, and “umm’s”. Enough said. See an interview here with an HR Director on more of that.

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