You've worked hard to learn English, gotten the degree you wanted, and maybe had the opportunity to try out your skills in a good job. But now it's here - the opportunity to interview for your dream job. You've waited a long time for this, so of course, you want to do everything you can to get ready for the big day. You research the company, buy a new suit, and make sure you're mentally prepared.

You walk in, shake hands, and say hello.

And wait.

But it didn't turn out the way you had hoped.

I know it doesn't seem fair, but decisions are often made in interviews in the first 10 seconds. First impressions are critical, and communicating clearly is essential. The reality is that the person who speaks standard American English more clearly is often chosen over the one who has superior skills but was difficult to understand.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers says that communication skills is the number one thing employers are looking for - more than computer expertise, and even more than a strong work ethic. That means that one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of getting that dream job is to improve your English communication skills.

I was helping one client prepare for an upcoming interview by rehearsing possible questions and answers and practicing the pronunciation of several words common to his profession. We were brainstorming possible words that he might need, when he said what I thought was shadow. "That's a word I know I'll use a lot as a manager," he said. Puzzled, I asked him to explain how he would use it. We were working together over Skype, and he finally typed the word schedule. The astonished look on my face made him laugh, and when I gave him the correct pronunciation, he was so thankful that we had practiced prior to his interview. "Can you imagine", he asked, " if I had gone into the interview and said shadow when I meant to say schedule? That would have been terrible!"

I know you don't want to make a terrible mistake in your next interview, so be sure you polish your English pronunciation before you go!

To get speech tips to prepare for your next interview, take my free online speech and accent screening at http://www.losemyaccent.com. Invest a few minutes in your future success!

I am Lisa Scott, a nationally certified speech pathologist who specializes in accent reduction training. I am passionate about working with you to remove communication barriers so that people hear YOU and not your accent. To receive my free guide, How to Speak English Like an American, or to learn more about my classes via Skype, visit http://www.losemyaccent.com.