Before walking into your next interview, review these 8 basic job interview tips that are often forgotten about.

Remember What Employers Look For

Job seekers have often wondered what do employers look for when they are evaluating candidates. Here are eight key interview tips employers look for.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with others and to get along with a variety of different types of personalities are two of the most desirable qualities in job candidates. Employers want to know if you have the ability to organize your thoughts and ideas effectively. Can you express ideas clearly when speaking or writing? Can you present your ideas to others persuasively? Can you bring out the best efforts of individuals so they become effective, enthusiastic members of a team? Are you able to successfully contend with stressful situations and handle conflict?

Intelligence: Recruiters often use college records or past performance reviews to screen out less desirable job candidates. To some, good grades and strong performance indicate that the applicant is motivated and goal-oriented. Do you have the ability to understand the job assignment? Are you able to learn quickly? Can you contribute original ideas to the work being done?

Enthusiasm: It’s not enough to have the right qualifications; an employer needs to know that you are willing to give 100% to your job. Interviewers are impressed by candidates who are alert, responsive and energetic. Do you demonstrate a forcefulness and capacity to make things move ahead? Can you maintain your work effort at a high rate?

Flexibility: Employers need to know that the people they hire can expand and change as their companies do.  Applicants who are receptive to new ideas and concepts are highly valued by employers. Are you capable of changing and being receptive to new situations and ideas? Can you confront and deal with problems that may not have standard solutions?

Leadership: Even in entry-level positions most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. Successful companies need self-starters who are not afraid to take responsibility for doing the best job possible. Can you guide and direct others to attain the recognized objectives? Do you have the ability to identify the purpose for work and to take action?

High Energy Level: A job candidate’s willingness to work hard matters a great deal. Employers want to know that you are committed to devoting the prime hours of your day to the job.

Maturity: Misplaced humorous remarks or being indiscreet about company information are telltale signs of immaturity. Do you demonstrate a sense of maturity that enables you to deal positively and effectively with situations and people? Can you realistically assess your own capabilities? Do you see yourself as others see you and clearly recognize your strengths and weaknesses?

Skill: Do you possess the positive combination of education and skills required for the position you are seeking? Do you have the ability to identify and work toward specific goals? Do such goals challenge your abilities?

Now that you know what employers are looking for, it is your job to be sure that from the first interaction with the hiring company you are demonstrating each of these traits.  Create a set of stories that illustrate your competence in one or more of the above.  Just saying that you are high energy isn’t enough, tell the story that demonstrates your high energy and commitment to achievement.

I appreciate your comments. Tell me how these job interview tips have helped you.