Interviewers constantly use your resume as a point of reference for forming particular questions. You can and must do the same, by stating things like “as you can see on my resume,” or “as my resume illustrates.”Refer interviewers to key experiences or education, and use the phrase specifically in advance of anecdotal discussions. Let the interviewer's eyes focus on specific sections, and don't be surprised if they highlight text or take notes while you speak. This key phrase perks interest and invites magnified attention. Use adaptations of the key phrase, or precede it with a simple “again,” but do refer to your resume regularly.

In response to questions, do state aloud or allow your internal voice to focus thoughts on the phrase “thinking about the job.” Thinking or saying these four words before you make your response will inspire you to connect past achievements and related qualities to “job specific requirements.” Find creative ways to restate this phrase. Creatively, you might change it to “thinking about your answers to my questions about the job,” or “thinking about the job description as posted on the Net.” Or, you might refer to your past answers by stating, “thinking about job-specific issues I addressed earlier.” This is a very effective technique.

You will be amazed at how powerful these two simple phrases can be and how using them in various forms can improve your interview skills. At first, practice with role-play interviews. Have someone ask you typical interview questions, and then respond aloud, as you would in an actual interview. This is perhaps the best way to complete final preparation efforts. While the person asking the questions will be playing the role of interviewer, you will remain yourself and answer as you would in a real interview. Be yourself! Don't be the person you think the interviewer wants you to be. Sincerity during the interview will yield honesty-based relationships as well as the personality and capability required for on-the-job success.