Interview goes best if you're prepared.

Byline: WORK FORCE by The Lane Workforce Partnership For The Register-Guard

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in a series of articles about job hunting.

Some people believe it's enough to just be themselves in a job interview.

But remember: you are in a highly competitive selection process. You must know how to sell yourself, explain your skills and experience, and show that your personality fits the culture of the organization.

The interview is a crucial step in your job hunt. Being prepared and researching the company will lower your stress, boost your confidence and help you perform better.

The impression you make in the interview will most likely determine if you get the job.

There are two sets of goals in the interview: yours and the employer's. Your goals are to determine if the job is right for you and to impress the employer. The employer's goal is to gather information about you, assess your qualifications, and determine if you'll be a good fit.

Gather as much information possible about the company ahead of time. This will show your interest in the company and impress the interview team. Use Google or another search engine to search the Web for information about the industry and company. Look for the company's Web site.

Rehearse the interview. Consider the skills that you can bring to the company. Review the skills you learned in your previous job and pick the ones you would like to discuss in the interview. Practice your facial expressions, making eye contact and even your handshake. Body language can say a lot. Practice sitting up straight and being attentive. Try to anticipate questions you might be asked, and develop answers. Rehearsing will boost your confidence.

On the day of the interview, give yourself plenty of time to get to the appointment. Arrive early in order to stay relaxed. Schedule at least two hours for the interview in case the employer wants you take a test or tour of the facility. Show that the interview is the most important thing you have to do that day.

Your clothes will make a big statement about you. Research the company to determine the style of dress for the interview. You may want to ask about the company's dress policy. It's usually best to dress in a conservative way, and a bit more formally than the existing work force. Personal items such as nose rings and tatoos typically are not a plus. You want to keep the attention on your skills.

Go to the interview alone. Friends or relatives can be good support, but they should not be a part of your job interview. If someone drives you to an interview, have him or her wait outside or arrange to meet them afterward.

In the interview, be polite, listen, and be enthusiastic. Bring a resume and perhaps your career portfolio, if appropriate. You may be asked to complete an application or other paperwork, so bring a pen and pad. Greet the interviewer and introduce yourself; say their name and be ready to shake an offered hand. Let the interviewer direct the conversation. After all, it is their show. Answer questions in a clear and positive way. Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question. Speak positively of former employers and focus on the skills you developed while at other companies.

This is the time to sell yourself. What does the interviewer really want to know? Avoid answering simply "yes" or "no," but speak to the point.

At the end of the interview, the interviewer usually will ask if you have questions. Have two or three ready. These will set you above other candidates, showing that you are interested in the company and have done your homework.

Don't ask about salary, vacation or other benefits in the interview. Wait until after you are offered the job to negotiate salary and benefits. Ask when a decision may be made and if they will contact you or if you may contact them. If indefinite, arrange a time to get back in touch with them.

At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer, shake hands if appropriate, and ask for a business card. When you get home, write a thank-you note and send it immediately. This last touch will create a good impression that could be valuable if the candidate choices are close.

Next Sunday: Cover letters that sell. For more information, visit The Workforce Network Web site at www.theworkforcenetwork.org, or contact Darrell Hames at the Lane Workforce Partnership, 300 Country Club Road, Suite 120, Eugene, OR 97401; or at 682-7224 or [e-mail].