Interview Preparation:

Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview performance. Your ability to demonstrate your interest in the organization and enthusiasm for the position you are targeting requires considerable research and preparation. Interview preparation involves the steps a job candidate takes prior to meeting with a potential employer face-to-face. Preparation can include a number of critical points. Many job candidates prepare for interviews by making sure their intended appearance is professional. They also brush up on interview techniques, run through interview sample Q&A sessions to hone their answers and even work on their salary negotiation skills. While a resume or CV can get a candidate in the door, personal interviews are often necessary to land a final offer. With this in mind, interview preparation is critical for job seekers. The better prepared a candidate is for an interview, the more likely it is he or she will come across as professional, on top of things and confident.

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that you will know what you have to offer an employer. It is very important to develop a complete inventory of skills, experience, and personal attributes that you can use to market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process. Do a little homework. Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the interview. The more you know about the organization, the better prepared you will be to discuss how you can meet its needs. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!

Once you have finished studying, you are now ready to prepare questions to ask the interviewer(s). Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily available in company literature. Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position. Pick your questions with care this is your chance to gather information, so ask about what you really want to know. Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you may have discovered.

Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest. In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.

Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general decor, which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.

Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.

Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest.

Some General Job Interview Tips

Wear suitable interview clothes.

Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.

Take copies of your CV with you.

Arrive on time for your job interview.

Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your CV and Cover Letter.

Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.

Have a good firm handshake.

Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.

Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.

Stress your achievements.

Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humor.

Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.

Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60-second limit.

Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.

Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.

Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.