Interviewing...Why It's so Important 

We all know that an interview is important — in fact, most of us would agree that it is one of the most important steps to getting the job, which is why preparation is so important.  Unfortunately, many candidates are not adequately prepared for their interview.  We present these hints to help you get into top shape for your interview and significantly improve your odds against other candidates competing for the same job.

Appear Self-Confident

You've heard that confidence sells, right?  Know that it's one of the most important things when seeking a job.  In an interview, appearing confident, well spoken, and articulate, in addition to knowing your skills, experience and ability to handle the job, is key to laying the groundwork for a successful interview. 

Unfortunately, that's just the start and like it or not, there are some other things you'll need to do in order to be fully prepared.

Practice Your Interviewing Skills

Today's job market is tough, especially for librarians.  The candidates who are getting the jobs are those who master the art of the interview...and have the experience needed for the job.  It's not enough to be "technically qualified" in a field saturated with excellent talent.  You might have the perfect skills, you may be a great employee, but if you don't demonstrate or display confidence and outstanding interviewing skills, the interviewer will never know and may decide on someone less qualified, but who is a better communicator, planner and savvy about the job being offered.

Dress for Success

Dressing appropriately for an interview can be tricky.  You may know that the library, business, or organization you are applying with is "casual," and you may even know that they wear jeans and sandals to work.  Remember, however, that you are interviewing for the privilege to wear jeans and sandals in that job; you don't work there yet.  Dress professionally, specifically a suit or jacket and slacks for men and a suit or blouse and skirt/slacks for women.  No wild patterns or club shirts.  Even if you aren't conservative in your dress, the interview is not the time or place to wear those new leather pants.

Keep Jewelry Simple

Less is more.  Wear one pair of earrings, one ring per hand, or one necklace.  As far as body piercings, which are visible, why chance it?  Take out the nose ring or plugs for the interview.  While you may get an interviewer that loves the style, you may also get one that can't focus on a thing you're saying because they can't stop staring at the spiked lip piercing.

Tone Down the Artwork

If you have an option to cover your tattoos with clothing during an interview, you should.  Again, it's not about hiding your identity, it's about having the interviewer focus on your skills, not the skills of the artist who worked on your tattoo.

Wait to Smoke

Okay, so interviews are stressful, and it may be so tempting to have a smoke before your interview, but don't.  While an employer can't (and shouldn't) discriminate, the fact is that your quick fix may have your job opportunity go up in smoke.  The time for your smoke break is after your skills have landed you the job.

Bring Your Resume

You've sent your resume electronically, but don't let that stop you from bringing it with you.  You're probably not going to be meeting in the interviewer's office, but even if you are, you don't want him or her staring at their computer monitor throughout the interview.

Additionally, spend the extra buck to have your resume printed on nice paper, using a laser printer...nothing says I'll fall down on the job like a resume printed with an inkjet printer on 20lb paper.

Manage Your Social Presence

You've spent a lot of time uploading pictures (and being uploaded and tagged in pictures).  You've blogged, you've tweeted, etc.  Do research on yourself.  See what your interviewer will find with a few clicks of the keyboard.  You don't want your vacation shots tainting your interview.  Also, be sure you have an updated and professional LinkedIn profile.  LinkedIn is the first place an interviewer will expect to find you.  Your absence might only make a prospective employer more cautious, sending them digging deeper.  Your online presence needs to be well planned and well managed.

Do Your Research

You're in the information field, so show your wares! Do your homework before going to the interview.  Get to know as much as you can about the workplace you want to be employed by. If it's possible, visit it in person. Find out about the organization's business.  What business is the supporting organization in?  Who do you know that might work (or have worked) with the organization?  What they do, what they sell, manufacture, etc. If you're not interested in their business, why are you interviewing there?  Don't think you can fool the person interviewing you.  Visit the organization online, Google the person interviewing you, look up their LinkedIn profile.  See if they have a Twitter or Facebook profile.  Any pictures of their holiday party?  Get a feel for the corporate culture.  Call the organization or company and speak with someone about the work, their clients and your future co-workers.

Communicate Well

The best way to make a strong, positive impression is to demonstrate effective communication skills.  Effective communication is a global quality that includes looking your interviewer in the eyes, smiling, listening to the interviewer’s full question before beginning to answer, and delivering your answer in a concise manner.  You may lose the interviewer’s interest if you wander off course or give a long-winded answer to a simple question.  And now is the time to dust off that expensive college-level vocabulary you’ve been working on.  Avoid using slang, offensive language, or common clichés as they give the impression that you’re not up to working and communicating effectively in a professional setting.  Finally, don’t be afraid to be warm and personable during the interview.  That may go a long way in creating a positive first impression — and landing you the job!