Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies and caveats to enhance your interview IQ.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company

Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what he said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much

Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language

It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don't Be Cocky

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions

When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions

When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't Appear Desperate

When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

Talk to peers and get expert advice on the 27 Feng Shui Ways to Improve Your Career Board.

提高面试智商十法

求职者无论多聪明多有资历都得为面试做准备。你会问，为什么？因为面试是门学问，而且给人留下一个好的第一印象的机会不会有第二次。所以，学习这十条策略和告诫吧，它们可以提高你的面试智商。

使用好非语言交流的方式

这是有关表现自信心的∶站姿端正、用眼神交流、坚实有力的握手。面试中这种第一印象是很好的开场白，反之则是催命符。

着装得体

现代人大都着装随意，但这并不代表你面试时可以跟“他们”穿得一样。外表看上去整洁而且职业化，这一点是很重要的。至于你是穿套装还是穿不那么正式的服装，取决于公司的文化和应聘的职位。如果可能的话，面试前要打听清楚公司的着装标准。

倾听

面试伊始，面试官会直接或间接地给你信息。如果你没有认真听，你就会先失一城。认真地听而且让他/她知道你在听，这是很不错的交流技巧。观察面试官，去迎合他/她的风格和节奏。

别说得太多

告诉面试官太多有时可能会弄巧成拙。如果你事先没准备的话，可以随便闲聊，把话题从工作转移到其他方面上去。准备面试时，要通读招聘信息，找出你所具备的该职位必备技能，并且只谈论这一信息。

别太套近乎

面试是正式的职业会谈，而不是结交新友。亲疏程度取决于面试官的态度。面试中回答问题和询问问题时，有精力有热情这一点很重要，但是别忘了，你是在找工作。

言语得体

按常理，在面试中你应该使用专业语言。要注意不要使用任何不适当的俚语，或是谈论涉及到年龄、种族、宗教、政治或者性取向的话题——这些会令你很快无缘工作。

别太自满

要在面试中取胜，态度举足轻重。自信、专业、谦虚三者之间有一个很微妙的平衡，需要协调好。即使是要展示自身能力，过度自信也要不得，它与过度拘谨一样不好，甚至更糟糕。

留神回答问题

当面试官让你举例说明你做某事时的一段时期，他是在寻找例子以了解你过去的行为。如果你不能给出一个具体的例子，你非但回答不了这个问题，而且还错失了一个能证明你能力并谈论你水平的良机。

询问

当问到有什么问题要问时，面试者通常回答“没有”。回答错误！询问极其重要，因为这表明你对公司事务的关心。询问也让你有机会搞清楚这地方是否适合你。你问的问题最好是与面试时被问到的内容有关的，或者是询问更多信息的。

别显得绝望

当你面试时采用“请雇佣我吧，请雇用我吧”这种方法，你会看起来很绝望，缺乏自信。面试时要保持这三个原则∶冷静、镇定、自信。你知道你能胜任这份工作，你也要让面试官相信你能胜任这份工作。

在27条改进你职业状况的风水妙计留言板上与同行进行交谈，并聆听专家意见