Most employers are impressed by candidates that are well groomed, have good communication skills, and experience relevant to the job they are applying for. A new hire that is able to come into the position, get along with their new co-workers, and can get their job done without having their hand held every step of the way are preferred. Top qualities employers seek are:

• Honesty/Integrity
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork Skills
• Flexibility
• Computer Skills
• Strong Work Ethic
• Self-confidence

The most important aspect of an interview is preparation. Often applicants enter an interview not knowing enough about themselves, the industry, the company they're interviewing with, or the company's problems. Employers are seeking someone to solve a problem, that's why they're hiring. Research is key to a self-confident approach to the interviewers questions. Some important steps to remember are:

Research the company
Call in advance and ask for brochures, annual reports, or anything that provides background information on the company. The Internet and your local library can also be great resources for collecting information about the company.

Review your experience and qualifications
Know which of your qualifications and/or experiences meet the needs of the employer.

Be prepared to answer questions
Answering questions with confidence and without hesitation will leave a positive impression with the interviewer. Knowing what questions to expect and preparing answers for them will give you that confidence. The following is a list of common questions asked by employers during interviews:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are some of your strengths/weaknesses?
• What interests you most about our company?
• How would you describe your most recent job experience?
• Why do you want this job?
• What outside activities are most significant to your personal development?
• Where do you see yourself in five/ten years?
• What is your greatest achievement to date?
• What is your dream job?

Ask questions of your own
Employers learn as much about you from your questions as they do your answers. Asking intelligent question about the position, the company and the industry show that you've done your research and are serious about the position. A few question you might ask are:

• What are the greatest challenges of this position?
• How does this position fit into the company as a whole?
• What is the largest problem facing your staff right now?
• How do you feel I fit the position?

Things to keep in mind
Arrive promptly for the interview, if possible be a few minutes early. Show up well groomed, dressed smartly using fragrance, jewelry, and cosmetics sparingly. At the beginning of the interview greet the interviewer by name and with a firm handshake. Project energy and enthusiasm by standing up straight, walking with confidence, smiling, and sitting slightly forward. Look interested and alert, always making eye contact. Good grammar and articulate speech are a must, as are listening carefully and answering questions promptly. Avoid making negative remarks about your previous employers. When discussing your reasons for leaving a previous job communicate your rationale professionally. At the conclusion of the interview thank the employer for their time. Briefly reiterate your interest in the job by inquiring about the next step in the process. Following up with a thank you letter is the final and one of the most important aspects of the interviewing process. One should be sent to each person you spoke with at the company. The most important letter going to the interviewer. In the letter summarize your conversation and state again how you feel you can utilize your skills to help the company. Conclude the letter by again thanking them for their time.

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