Ace Your Next Interview

WINTER PARK, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- You've aced the resume. Now it's time for the interview. It could make or break your next career move. Whether you've been out of the job market or are just entering it for the first time, there are things you need to know to land that job.

In today's competitive job market, it's harder than ever to land a job interview. If you do, are you ready?

The first step for a successful interview is research the company. Find out its history, mission and goals, and competitors. If they're a publicly traded company, look at how they're doing in the stock market.

"It helps you look serious," Jennifer Browning, the associate director of Career Services at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., told Ivanhoe. "You're committed to this organization, you really want to work here."

Practice your answers to common questions like, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"

"Call your friends, talk to your spouse, anyone that you can talk to and say these answers out loud," Browning recommends. 

Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer.
 
"If they ask you whether you have any questions, the answer is yes, you do have questions," she said. 
 
Remember, first impressions are powerful. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview, greet the receptionist with a smile and when you meet the interviewer, stand up and give a firm handshake, and always send a thank you note that day or the next morning.