Acing an interview is not a skill, it’s an art. There are a lot of factors that can cause you to get or not get the job. You need to be articulate when answering questions, calm when you’re faced with a tough question, expressive to show the interviewer how much you really want the job.  Of course, you need to be polite and professional the entire time you’re being interviewed.  

  It is impossible to ace an interview without preparing for it.

  “Research specific questions and ask a family member or a friend to interview you. It makes you feel like you’re in the real life experience. I also recommend recording your interview and listening to your responses so you can reflect on it,” said Consumer Management teacher, Mrs. Leslie Nardini.

  Practice, practice, practice. If you don’t practice answering questions, then how will you know what to say when the actual interview comes? If asked a question that you expected and practiced,you will perform a lot better because you will be able to stay calm and answer the question in a calm and rehearsed fashion.

  Now for the best part: what you should wear. Another first impression is made the minute the interviewer sees what you’re wearing.

  “First, identify the position you’re applying for. If it is more professional, then suit and tie for men and pantsuit for women. Dress shoes are important. Always make sure your outfit matches, fits, and is pressed. Try not to forget the small details, for example: a belt. Be aware of what kind of accessories you’re wearing. Try not to have them make noise or draw attention away from what you’re saying,” said Nardini. What you wear says a lot about you without saying anything.

  Now that you have prepared, it’s time for the hardest part: the actual interview. It may seem intimidating at first, especially if you haven’t been interviewed before.

  “Confidence is key. Work through the butterflies in your stomach,” said Nardini.

  The interviewer may ask some questions you weren’t ready for and that’s normal.

  “It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know.’ They would appreciate honesty,” said Nardini.

   There is no way to predict what they will ask, and it also depends on the company you are applying to. They will have questions specific for their company.

  At the end of the interview, they always ask if you have questions. Many people answer ‘no’ because they want to leave. That’s a mistake:  asking questions can help you. It shows the interviewer you researched their company, care about getting this job, and that you can be an asset to their company.

  “Some good questions are: What the timeline for hiring the position? A description of their daily routine? How many people are you going to be working with? Challenges you might face in the position? Those are all good questions to ask,” said Nardini.

  Asking questions can put you over the edge and can spark some more conversation.

  The final thing you should do is after you get home from your interview is  thanking the interviewer for their time.

  “I think it’s very important to send a thank you. Whether it’s handwritten, email, business letter, or phone call. I think it’s important to thank each person on the interview team. It’s also important to make connections with people in the front office because chances are you will be working with them at some point, and when you walk into an interview and meet people on the way no matter who it is, that’s your first impression. Always be friendly and positive,” said Nardini.

  Doing little things like that can put you above the rest because you will always stay in the back of their minds. The more your name shows up, the more likely they are to hire you.

  Everyone can do the basics. They can show up and ask questions, but if you excel at all the little details,you can get the job. . All the little things add up and they do matter. Stay prepared, stay calm, and get the job.