What do you do in a job interview? Especially if you want to maximize your chances of actually getting the job? Jobs are hard to come by these days, and getting even a job interview can be a challenge. But no matter what the job, if you want it, your task at hand is to convince your interviewers that you are THE perfect candidate.



Sound intimidating? Read on to discover how you can maximize your chances of being the one.

Here's the deal. Competitive or not, you wouldn't have been invited to that interview if they hadn't already vetted you from your other materials and maybe a phone interview. That's something you should keep in mind the entire time because it's bound to raise your confidence, as well it should.

Just the fact that you're having that job interview means that the interviewers already think you are a good candidate for the job. There were dozens and maybe hundreds of other candidates, and they have picked you out from all of them. Okay, you, and a handful of others.

Still, now that you're there, your job as well as their job is to figure out whether you (or one of the others) is going to be the best fit. If it's you, you may well win if you get the other things right. If it isn't you, trust me, you don't want the job!

So once you're at the interview, you have the chance to convince them that they've chosen well in their preliminary screenings, and, provided you are indeed a good fit, that you are the one they want.

And how do you do that? Follow these steps:

1. Put yourself in the shoes of your interviewers

WII-FM -- I know, it's old, but it's the truth. They need to know what's in it for them or they'll never hire you. So keep that in mind.

2. Know why you want this particular job at this particular company

They want somebody who is right for them, and they don't want to go through the whole search process all over again anytime soon. The better the match and your interest in their specific job and company, the more likely it is that you'll stick around if they hire you.

3. Know a lot about the company and the position

This would be the result of having done your research. You should know as much as possible about the company, the job, and the people who will be interviewing you. It will help you with all the other steps.

4. Know the right questions to ask

Yes, you get to ask questions too, and they better be good ones. What are good questions? Questions that ask about their expectations of you and that show that you have their interest in mind. Avoid questions about pay, vacation days, and so on.

5. Be friendly and show enthusiasm

And make sure it's real. They can tell a fake smile from a mile away. Just keep this thought in mind: The people you meet at the interview may well be your future colleagues, and you're so excited at the prospect of working with them. What you do in the job interview is the preview. Play your cards right, and you'll get invited back for the main act.