Top 10 Job Interview Tips

When you're interviewing for a job, the little things can make a big difference. Even a small mistake can cost you a job offer. Take the time to prepare so you can make the best possible impression at every job interview you go on.

These interview tips cover all the basics you need to know to ace a job interview. From checking out the company to sending an interview thank you note, make your interview a success when you follow these tips.

1. Avoid These Interview Mistakes
   What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Check out the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make. Some of them are minor; others can make or break your chances of getting hired. Then take the time to ​prepare before your interview, so you don't have to stress about how it went after it's over.

2. Dress for Interview Success
   The first impression you make on a potential employer can make a big difference in the outcome of your job interview. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress appropriately for a job interview. What's appropriate varies by employer, so you'll need to pick out an outfit that's a fit for where you want to get hired.

3. Improve Your Interview Technique
   A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and do will either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention. Here's how to improve your interview technique and wow the interviewer.

4. Take the Time to Say Thank You After the Interview
   Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview not only is good interview etiquette. It also reinforces your interest in the position and shows the interviewer that you have excellent follow-up skills. Use your thank you letter, as well, to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview.

5.Practice Interviewing
Taking the time to review typical interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses. It will also calm your frazzled nerves ​because you won't be scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat.
Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time, and it will be much easier when you're actually in a job interview.

1. Use Your Networking Contacts
   Who you know at the company you are interviewing with really does matter. Your connections can refer you for a job, provide inside information on the company, and tell you what to expect during the interview.
   Here's how to use your contacts and connections to get an insider advantage so you can ace the interview and impress the interviewer.

2. Check Out the Company
   How much do you know about the company that just contacted you to schedule an interview? It should be plenty, and all the information you need is available online.
   Here are tips on how to research a company, get the inside scoop on the company culture, and use your connections to get an interview advantage.

3. Be Prepared for a Phone Interview
   While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on short notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have time to talk about a job opportunity.
   Review these tips for advice on how to pull off your phone interview without a hitch.

4. Handle a Group Interview
   Interviewing with one person is tough enough, but it's even harder when you have to interview with a group (or panel) of interviewers. Here's how advice on how to ace a panel interview.

5. Interview While Dining
   Taking you to breakfast, lunch or dinner provides the interviewer with a chance to check out your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more casual environment than an office setting.
   Here's advice on how to handle an interview while dining including what to order, dining interview etiquette, who pays, and more tips for interviewing over coffee or a meal.