Tips for a Successful Interview

Job interviews can be harrowing or empowering based on your outlook and preparation for it. In today’s business world, rest assured that that no young aspirant can secure that dream job without having to sit through a tough and analytical interview process. However, with adequate preparation and know how it may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. 

• Do Your Homework 

Spend at least two days before the interview researching the prospective employer. With today’s technology, almost any information is merely a click away. It pays to know about the history, vision / mission, industry background and current standing of the company. Often, the interviewer is looking for a knowledgeable candidate who appears passionate about his future employer, knows his stuff and can relay the message coherently. So if need be, take down the notes and commit the important bits to memory. 

• Prepare a Knockout Resume 

A resume would give the interviewer the first impression about you and the experience that you have that is related to the position being offered. The resume is the best ad for yourself so it should ideally be concise and strong. It should highlight your previous job functions and achievements. There are countless resume formats floating in the World Wide Web so take a look and choose one that suits your style and can carry the necessary information well. Whatever format you choose, a winning resume should be well structured, brief (without being empty of content) and carrying strong references. 
A good reference confirms and elaborates on the information in your resume. More important, he gives positive feedback on your skills and experience. Former managers and clients make the best references, because they have first-hand knowledge of your job performance. Avoid using friends and family as references. Also remember to inform your referees about the job so they are not caught off guard. 

• Surviving the Tele Screen 

Many recruiters have resorted to doing a phone screen prior to the interview. However, if caught at an inopportune moment, follow these steps: 
- Express enthusiasm 
- Explain that isn’t a good time to talk 
- Write down (and confirm) the recruiter’s phone number and mention the best time for you to take his call. 
- Thank the recruiter sincerely for his or her call. 


Get Your Act Together 
Before calling back the recruiter, prepare by practicing the following: 
- Standard interview questions like ‘Why would you like to work for us?’ 
- A brief summary of your background as well as any difficult topic that is likely to come up such as a lapse in work experience, for example. 
After having aced the tele screen, you would most likely be invited for a face to face interview at the employer’s premises. Here are a few vital aspects to bear in mind to come out a winner. 

• Dress for the Kill 

Remember that the clothes will make the job seeker. The best bet is to wear what you would when you are working for the organization. Be careful not to over dress and especially not to out dress the person interviewing you. Always go with a conservative choice of color and wear a plain white, thin pinstriped or light colored shirt and dark pants. Ties should match and avoid wearing ones that are too loud. Women should wear a dark colored suit. Make sure that your clothes are neat, clean, and pressed. Shoes ideally should be black, leather and polished. Avoid wearing heavy fragrances and for women jewelry should be simple and conservative. 

• Be Punctual 

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the interview. The interviewer assumes the interview is the best you will ever act so arriving late indicates a trend that will only worsen when you start working. 

• Watch Your Words 

Being long-winded during an interview makes you sound chatty and unprepared. Avoid this common blunder by keeping your answers to about 60 seconds per question (unless the question really calls for an elaborate explanation)You can perfect this by practicing answers to typical interview questions ahead of time. Not only will you sound intelligent and polished, but you’ll also be less nervous knowing that you were prepared. 

• Body Language 

During a job interview, what you convey non-verbally may be just as important as what you communicate verbally. Interviewers typically take note of a candidate’s non-verbal cues as they evaluate their skills and qualifications. Facial expressions, hand gestures, posture and tone of voice all indicate your level of confidence and overall interest in the role. 
Prior to the interview, have someone you know ask you ‘mock interview’ questions, then have them offer feedback on any non-verbal habits that may be distracting or unprofessional. 

• Sell Yourself 

During the interview bear in mind that you are proposing the reason why the recruiter should hire you compared to the many others he has in mind. So, go ahead and sell yourself by highlighting not only the knowledge, skills and abilities you could bring to the company, but also your accomplishments. As you answer all the interview questions, make sure you are in a sales mode. Is the interviewer getting the information he needs from you to make an informed decision to buy from you and offer you the job?