How to Rock an Interview

Job interviews can be very stressful. Many people get very nervous and let themselves down during an interview. Follow these 14 tips and rock the interview.

Job interviews can be the most stressful part of the job hunt. The more you attend, the better you'll be. Here are a few tips to help you rock an interview, and some interview mistakes to avoid:

1. Do your research. Make sure you know a little about the person who is interviewing you and a lot about the organization. You can usually find that information on their website.

2. Do find out the criteria for the job beforehand so you can tailor your answers.

3. Do make eye contact with the interviewer.

4. Do wait until you're offered a chair before sitting down.

5. Do show enthusiasm, but don't overdo it. You don't want to sound false.

6. Do be prepared to answer standard questions such as, "What are your strengths?" and "What are your future goals?"

7. Do arrive early. It's good to have a few minutes to spare in case you get lost. You can use the extra time to calm your nerves.

8. Do dress appropriately. If you have a dark suit, wear it, even if you'll never actually have to wear one for the job.

9. Do ask questions. Interviews are a two-way street. Having one or two prepared questions will make you look more interested.

10. Don't forget to bring a copy of your resume and any other relevant documents. The interviewer may not have it at hand.

11. Don't get flustered. Be prepared to be unprepared. Some interviewers purposely try to catch the candidate off-guard. Take a deep breath, think about the question, compose yourself, and then answer.

12. Don't lie. It's very easy to tell when someone isn't quite telling the truth. Getting caught in a lie is the easiest way to lose the job.

13. Don't over-answer questions. Stay focused and speak succinctly.

14. Don't get too familiar with the interviewer. Some interviews are more casual than others. Don't address the interviewer by his or her first name unless you're told to do so.