So you've managed to secure a job interview for a position that
fits you PERFECTLY. Now comes the moment of truth: Are you
REALLY ready for the interview? If you've rehearsed what you're
going to say and know the perfect answer to every potential
question, you're half way there. There's just one important
thing you've forgotten:

Yourself.

How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how
valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire
you TODAY and not even THINK about other applicants. You know
you're the right person for the job, so how do you make THEM see
that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make
yourself shine during the interview process.

1. First, find out everything you can about the company you'd be
working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission
statement? How does the job you'd be performing relate to the
company's goals? Finding out this type of information gives you
great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer
and shows them that you've done your research and already have
some background in the company's business and objectives.

2. Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your own
strengths and see how you can tie the two together. If you have
previous experience, make note of those times where you helped
achieve a specific result. Employers give more serious
consideration to applicants who have a background and a track
record in their industry than those who do not.

3. First impressions count. It should go without saying that you
should arrive 15 minutes prior to the interview, dress
appropriately (if not above) the position you're applying for,
greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye
contact throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic,
personable and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people
you meet and the work you'd be doing. Interviewers can tell if
you're desperate!

4. Show that you can solve problems and work well under pressure,
since nearly every job will require both skills. If you can
identify a particular problem in your industry or that you may
face when doing this job, give the interviewer some ideas of how
you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed and confident. Some
nervousness is expected, but your overall mannerisms (such as
fidgeting, nail-biting, slumping in your chair) will be an
instant giveaway on how well you REALLY work under stress.
Likewise, if you project confidence and security in how you carry
yourself, the interviewer will definitely notice.

5. If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions
(and you should ALWAYS have a couple of questions ready),
consider asking why this position is open. What's the company's
track record and turnover rate? Are they performing well and
keeping employees on board? Remember, you're not just selling
yourself on how you'd be a great fit for this company, but
finding out how this company could also be a great fit for you.

6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel
uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, "Why would you like to
know?" Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you
personal questions, including references to your race, gender,
sexual preference, marriage status and child care situations.
Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the
job, not your home and family life.

7. After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you
note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight your
qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or conversations
you had with the interviewer to help them remember that polished,
professional, enthusiastic candidate (you). Close the note by
letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the
position and your confidence in doing it well.

If you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you'll not only
have seriously impressed your potential employer, but you'll come
away from it feeling like a winner too! Good luck!

Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes and Career Information Resources http://www.career-information-resources.com who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.