Now that you've had a chance to review your resume, let's move on to the next important step towards getting you that job: your job interview.

Even for the most fearless of candidates experience some jitters and nerve wracking bouts in the interview phase of their job application. Consider this: What other types of conversations can create such an on you --- from your livelihood, to your professional development, and ultimately, your personal fulfillment? A quick Google search shows page after page of interview advice. All that many slants in tells us there are a lot of contributory factors that add up to a successful interview.

OK, so you've moved past the first challenge. You've made them do a double take, now what?

Job interviews are mainly designed to see if you are a good fit for the organization. You have been invited because the hiring officer already knows you're a good candidate and now wants to see how you will fit in with the company for (hopefully) years to come.
a Specialty Certified Medical Assistant - SCMA® credential will provide you with interview preparation, interview answers and even interview appearance tips but taking into account that one can never predict how an interview will go or what questions you will be expected to answer, it is best to start off with a few basic job interview tenets.

1. Research

A minimum expectation is that you would at least have done some research about the company you wish to be a part of. From services, type of patrons and competition, taking the time to learn more about the company will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company's needs. Should the company website and literature leave you with some unanswered questions about the company, list them down and include them in your questions to the hiring officer towards the end of your interview.

2. Practice

While it is true, you can never predict what questions you may be asked but practicing on answers to possible interview question, both common and uncommon ones, increase the likelihood you come better prepared.

Invite a friend or two to practice with you. Seek feedback at the end of your mock interview. Have them come at you with their own questions, if only to see how you handle questions you may not have expected. Your ability to answer questions with confidence will also show that you are dedicated person and that you care about getting the job to have taken the time to prepare for it.

3. Come on Time

Never arrive late to an interview. It is recommended that you come in 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. This should be enough time for your to check in with the receptionist, have enough time for a quick dash to the restroom if necessary, just to calm down and get adjusted to the environment.

You may even want to try this: A week beforehand, visit the office area at the same time of day you are scheduled for your interview for a better estimate of your travel time.

4. Come Prepared

Coming in late because you couldn't find the right office or fumbling for documents the hiring officer asks for may add unnecessary stress to your interview.

It is best to come prepared with things like extra copies of your résumé, a copy of your references, pen & paper to take notes as well as pre-listed questions to ask the hiring officer at the end of the interview.

It is also recommended that you bring a copy of the job description for the position you're applying for. This will allow you to not only check that you're addressing the needs of the description but also ask specific questions as they relate to it.

5. Dress the Part

It's true that some clinics and hospitals have employees working in a casual environment. However, you are there to relay you want to be a part of their Team. Coming to an interview dressed in something too casual or worse, something you slept in, doesn't convey you hold the company nor the position you're applying for with esteem.

Keep the perfume to a minimum. The hiring officer should be able to see you first before they smell you. Another common oversight is jewelry. You should be the main focus of the interview. If your jewelry gets noticed before you, it may also distract throughout the rest of the interview. You want the interviewer to be able to concentrate on what sets you apart from other interviewees that day – not your fashion statement.

Dress for confidence. If you feel good, the hiring officer will respond to you accordingly.

6. Show Enthusiasm

A limp clammy handshake will certainly does not support this goal. Take the time to rub your hands together to ensure they're warm. Wipe them dry especial if your nervousness is getting the best of you. Above all, demonstrate professional confidence with a firm warm handshake while complementing that with eye contact and distinct speech, even though you may feel a little bit shaky.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Put your cellphone away. You can sacrifice an hour without it. We all know that even a quiet buzzing sensation from an incoming call or text message is enough to distract us. Besides, you should never give the interviewer the impression that the phone is more important than him or her during that appointed interview time.

8. Watch How Your Body Communicates

Body language speaks volumes. Nodding, for example, works better that verbally acknowledging what is being said with lines like "OK", "yes" or "uhuh". However, watch that you don't do this excessively that you end up nodding like an over eager bobble-head doll.

Leaning slightly forward versus sitting back in your chair shows you are interested and are receptive to what is being said. Besides, leaning back may be perceived as laziness or arrogance. It is a natural thing we do when we're deeply engaged in a conversation with the other person.

Oftentimes, when we're anxious we protect ourselves by crossing our arms over our chest. To some, this may show defensiveness and resistance. Keeping your arms on your sides helps you appear warmer and more approachable. Avoid keeping your hands in your pockets. Aside from restricting your hand gestures, they tend to make you appear stiff.

Maintain good eye contact without making your interviewer uncomfortable. We tend to hide our hands when we're anxious so watch that you don't do this. Use appropriate hand gestures.

Another often overlooked matter is breathing comfortably while we speak. Again, there are times when our nervousness gets to us so a good rule of thumb is to breathe deeply, and speak on the exhale.

9. Practice Active Listening

Truly, listening is one of the most neglected of interview skills. This is tough work under normal circumstances, more so during an interview. Plus, it may not always be easy. Just the same exert all effort at ignoring all possible distractions and negative thoughts during the interview so you may focus on what the interviewer is saying – whether it is done through words and through their body language.

Work at active listening and reading between the lines because there are times when what is not said is just as important as what is said. To do this, be sensitive to your interviewer's tone of voice and keep a close eye on his or her facial expressions and body language. If you have a question or seek some clarification on what was asked of you, it may help to summarize what you think your interviewer wants to know and ask for confirmation before proceeding.

10. Answer Properly

Why do we even have to state this? Fact is many applicants fail to pause to consider whether or not they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Maybe it is your desire to say so many things to sell yourself in a limited time or maybe you're just too worked up and nervous but do take the time to check on your answers throughout your interview. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure. It may even be advisable to check in with your interviewer if they feel you've adequately answered their question.

11. Provide Specifics

It's no different from when we have more empty words in our resume than the specifics to back them up. Practice your stories before the interview so you may relate actual examples and instances that highlight your selling points, successes, career milestones and uniqueness.

12. Ask Questions

Another one of the important things we overlook in a job interview. We focus too much on answering interview questions that we forget that asking questions may be just as important as giving the right ones.

Why is this so important? When done correctly the questions you ask may support your qualifications as a candidate for the position. Also, when done right, you can also find out more about the company you are applying to just as much as the company gets to know more about you.

13. Send A Thank You Note

Aside from being a way to keep the conversation going, sending a thank you email is a good takeoff for following up with the decision-maker right away. Don't wait too long and write back on the same day of your interview.