If you conducted a survey, you’d find that most people would rather go to the dentist than to an interview. There are similarities in both experiences: anxiety, short-term pain and an uncertain outcome. However, the pain of an interview can be relieved and your chances for success can be improved by following five simple strategies.

The following list has been developed after experience conducting numerous interviews (the same simple strategies apply to marketing anything).

1. Background research and preparation
1. Listening skills
1. Attitude and offering
1. Common sense issues
1. Pre-interview strategies and follow-up

These issues will be discussed, along with the reasons for making a certain hiring decision. The focus will be on practical tips to increase your chances of success in your next interview.

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Michael F. Violette is President of Washington Laboratories, Ltd, a testing and engineering firm located in Gaithersburg, MD.

Mr. Violette is a Professional Engineer, registered in Virginia, as well as a NARTE-Certified EMC Engineer. He has operated Washington Laboratories since its founding 1989. WL has expanded its scope of service from domestic to international clients and provides testing and engineering services to the Information Technology, Communications, Process Control, Semiconductor, Consumer and Telecommunications markets.

He has extensive experience in marketing technology services, as well as experience in managing engineers, technicians and administrative staff. He is directly responsible for hiring of technical and non-technical personnel and has conducted numerous interviews over the past 10 years.