A job interview is a sales presentation. A candidate is selling himself to a company and vice versa. As discussed in previous articles, most employers look at three specific factors when interviewing a potential new hire. First, interviewers need to make sure that the candidate possesses both the job-specific/industry-specific and general business and life skills to do the job well. They also must determine whether a candidate’s personality would fit well within their corporate culture.

If you're already at the interviewing stage, chances are your resume represents a skill-set that appeals to the company, that's terrific. However, a job interview is much more than simply looking qualified on paper. At this stage of the process, the interviewer gets to see the whole package. That is why making a good first impression is so important. A first impression tends to stay with an employer as a vivid memory long after your first meeting. The very best way to ensure that make a good impression during a job interview is to be prepared.

Proper preparation will enable you to present yourself in the best possible way, and give you an advantage over your competition. Remember, the job interview process is a competition. You are going to be measured against a number of other qualified candidates. So you always want to put your best foot forward.

Appearance:
In the military, you were required to be immaculately groomed and wear the uniform of a proud and capable soldier. In Corporate America, you also need to look the part as well. Appropriate dress consists of classic business attire, usually a suit or business casual ware. However, when interviewing, always wear a conservative, solid or pin-striped suit (dark suit is preferable).  Remember, you want a potential employer to respect you, feel confident in your capabilities and be comfortable with the possibility of integrating you into his/her company.

Interview protocol:
Be a little bit early to your interview. You want to be confident, calm and ready to make a terrific sales presentation. Body language and adherence to proper job interview protocol are also important. Turn your cell phone off before the interview. Greet the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake, exhibit good posture and look the interviewer in the eye when you speak. Don't interrupt. Always stay on point in answering questions. Having a copy of your resume on hand is also a good idea because it provides you with an outline of your previous experience to refer to if need be. It also shows interest when you bring a pen and writing pad to take notes.  Finally, always send the interviewer a thank you note or e-mail that day.  
 
The Pitch:
During the interview, it is important to recognize that your sales pitch consists of everything you say along with your delivery. The best salespeople in the world usually have two things in common: they know more about their product than anybody else and they understand the various needs of the client. The product you are selling at the job interview is you and the client you're selling to is the employer. The best way for you to know the needs of the client (employer) is to do your homework.  Research the company. You need to know what the responsibilities of the job are (usually provided in the job description) and you need to be able to illustrate to the interviewer, in specific terms, why you have the skills and experience to handle the responsibilities of the job. Provide examples and discuss accomplishments. You will be hired based on what the future employer thinks you can do for them. You must also demonstrate through the course of your presentation, demeanor, and personality that the chemistry is right as well. The best way to put the interviewer at ease is for you to be prepared, comfortable and confident during the interview.
 
Remember, the interviewer is not a superior officer, but another civilian like you.  Your task is not to convince the interviewer that you were a terrific soldier. Your task is to sell yourself as a future asset to the company and the right person for the job.  
 
Next time, starting a new job