There are a variety of things that can make or break an interview, and few of them have to do with your resume. Most people simply don't interview enough to be comfortable in the situation. However, interviewing is not a mystical process. With a little preparation and mental evaluation of the circumstances, you can turn a nerve-wracking situation into a new job by following the advice below:

Negativity

Although a resume may not show it, you may be the best person for the job. However, you will not be able to demonstrate this if negative thoughts dominate your mind. By concentrating on self-deprecating thoughts, you are setting yourself up to fail. You can prepare in several ways to combat pre-interview nervousness and negativity.

First, do your homework. Any search consultant will tell you that it is imperative that you know as much as possible about the company. Knowledge is a natural confidence booster. If you are comfortable with the subject matter, your concerns about your candidacy will most likely diminish.

Secondly, rehearse. In the days that lead up to your interview, work with your search consultant to get insight into the company's main concerns about deliverables of the position and some of the objectives for the interview. Once you know some of the likely questions to expect, rehearse your answers with a friend and ask them to critique your performance. Work on your answers in the areas that are less than glowing.

The "Clone" Factor

Most interviewers have a tendency to ask the same questions. If you merely reiterate what is already stated on your resume, you won't stand out in a crowd. The best way to make an impression is to discuss what isn't on conventional documents.

For example, you may have noted on your resume that you were responsible for $30M in full profit and loss, and managed a group of 50, but how you got there is more interesting. Perhaps you were brought into the organization to turn it around or to foster growth. An interviewer wants to hear the anecdotal story behind that. How did you turn the company around? Did you promote acquisitive or organic growth and what were the steps that caused you to reach that conclusion? The story behind the resume is always more interesting and allows a hiring manager to get a better feel for your managerial style and core competencies.

Thinking Through Your Answers

The skill of listening is just as important as the ability to appropriately answer questions. If you answer questions too quickly, you run the risk of creating the impression that you are overly eager or that you don't have the ability to think through a problem before offering a solution. There is, however, a fine line between allowing enough time between a question and an answer, and taking too much time. If you're not fully sure of your answer, paraphrasing the question and incorporating it into your answer may help. For example, if you were asked, "What are some of the faults subordinates have pointed out about you?" you could answer "While I've never had anyone point out my faults, I'm sure that they are there. If I had to identify them, I would say that sometimes I have a difficult time delegating when I get very interested in a project and enjoy performing the tasks myself." Also, seeking clarification to a question will buy you some time. However, avoid asking an interviewer to repeat a question at all costs.

Interview Etiquette

Etiquette is a very important part of interviewing. Appearance is also important, but should not be overplayed. Always dress appropriately, but in these days of casual business attire, a full-blown three-piece suit may not be necessary. Interviewers like to see someone who came prepared to impress, but who also knows how to fit in with the culture. If you're unsure of the typical dress code of a company, wear a simple, conservative suit.

Positive body language and the ability to maintain eye contact also play a big role in interviewing. Slouching and glancing around the room (as opposed to looking at the interviewer) give the impression that you are nervous and not genuine about what you are saying.

Always write a thank you note the day after your interview. In it, thank the interviewer for their time and recap a particular point of interest during your conversation. A separate note should go to each person with which you interviewed. In doing this, you show your interest in the position. It may not win you the job, but ignoring this rule of interviewing etiquette will virtually guarantee you are not the successful candidate.

Finally, remember that you have nothing to lose. You didn't have an offer before the interview so if one isn't made afterward, you are no worse off than before.

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