I see it happen all the time.  Smart, ambitious and personable twenty-somethings put together powerful resumes, and get invited on half a dozen interviews.  But then, at the in-person meetings themselves, something goes wrong.  Either they’re unprepared for the format of the interview, or the questions they are asked, or they present themselves in a manner that seems inconsistent with a reliable, hardworking, and enthusiastic employee.  Many people think that interviewing is the easiest part of getting a job – after all, all you need to do is show up and chat – and as a result neglect the complexities of the process.  They’re surprised when they find themselves unable to seal the deal.  

Recent college grads and childhood friends Randy Bitting and Miles Munz are two guys who learned the hard way. After graduating a couple of years ago, they were totally confident about their ability to secure great jobs.  They went on their first interviews unconcerned about coaching or practicing.  Their results were disappointing to say the least.  Randy and Miles practiced their interviewing skills by doing actual real interviews, and they weren’t quite ready for primetime. 

In order to prevent other college grads from making the same mistakes, Randy and Miles became entrepreneurs.  They founded the brilliant InterviewTrue.com, an online service with the goal of helping you avoid bombing that next important interview.  Using the technology, along with a PC and a Webcam, and set up a customized, mock interview.  You can pick from over 1,000 interview questions split in to categories such as problem solving and teamwork.  An interviewer appears onscreen and asks your questions, while you record your answers in real-time.  Later, you can upload and share your interview in order to get valuable feedback from with business associates, career counselors, friends, and family. 

I love technology that really helps people take control of their destinies, especially when it’s cheap.  You can get six months of unlimited access at InterviewTrue for $19.95.  If you’re job searching or think you might be soon, check it out.  Even if you’ve had successful interview experiences in the past, there’s always room for improvement.