Interviewing for a job is both a talent and a skill

Some people are naturally good at talking with strangers and impressing them with their wealth of knowledge and experience. For others, interviewing is a skill that needs to be developed through practice.  Interviewing for a job is not an easy task.  You are being asked difficult questions by people that you have never met and they are casting judgment on your responses in order to determine your likelihood of being a quality employee and coworker.  These interviewers are people that at any other time you may easily strike up a conversation with, but at this moment they hold your future in their hands and that influence causes you to ramble, sweat, and stumble over every other word.   It is normal to be nervous, but the key to interviewing is to showcase your abilities while also assessing your fit with the company. 

After interviewing hundreds of candidates, we have seen common, avoidable errors and areas for improvement.  None of these tips are groundbreaking.  You can probably read them on 20 different websites and that is because they are truly important but still overlooked by many applicants.

•  Do Your Research:  Don’t go to a job interview unprepared.  Research the company you are interviewing with and familiarize yourself with the industry.  We are always impressed when an interviewee has done their homework and can articulately discuss the issues that impact our business. Browse through Cascade's website to learn more about our business and history.
  
  
• Dress the Part:  Wear appropriate attire for the position and for the company.  If you are unsure what the company attire is, just ask. 
  
  
• Be Specific:  If you are asked for an example or to describe a past situation, do it.  Don’t give general statements about how you don’t micromanage or you how you believe in teambuilding.  Describe a specific situation, what you did, and the result of your actions.
  
  
• Be Concise:  It is possible to be specific and concise.  Provide the relevant details and leave everything else out.  Nothing is more tiring than when a candidate gives a 10 minute answer to a 20 second question.
  
  
• Be Yourself:  This is your chance to shine and show them who you really are.  Don’t be afraid to open up a little bit.  This is an important opportunity for the interviewee and the company.  Both parties want to ensure a good fit and there is no way to accurately determine the fit if you or the company project a misguided image instead of showing your true colors.
  
  
• Ask Questions:  Don’t forget that this is also your chance to interview the company.  Prepare questions ahead of time and bring them with you.  Ask questions about the company, the position, and the industry.  This will show the interviewer that you are also interested in finding a good fit.
  
  
• Prepare and Practice:  Before your interview, review your job history and remind yourself of all the great things you did for your previous employers.  Practice responses to interview questions and role play with a helpful friend.  A lack of preparation is usually the number one reason for nervousness.