Job Interview Tips

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• Research the company before you attend your interview i.e., website, annual report... etc..
• Prepare and practice before the interview. The more you prepare, the better chances you have of succeeding. 
• Plan to ask questions. Asking questions gives you the opportunity to show your interest &  gives you the opportunity to find out if this Company is the right place for you.
• Dress professionally in simple business attire.
• Plan to arrive a few minutes early.
• Turn off your cell/ hand held/ mobile phone prior to attending the interview
• Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.
• Have a firm handshake. 
• Stand straight and make eye contact.
• Sit erect and lean forward in the chair, to show your interest.
• Be a good listener as well as a good communicator.
• Be prepared to answer open-ended questions, like, "Tell me about yourself".
• Keep in mind the product you are selling is you. 
• Give them reasons to buy, by emphasizing what you can bring to the organization.
• Talk about specific achievements.
• Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain whenever possible.
• Don't make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
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• Don't smoke, even if you are invited to. Don't chew gum.
• Never inquire about salary, vacations or bonuses, in the initial interview. You will be in a stronger position once they decide to hire you.
• At the end of the interview, ask about the next step in the process. 
• Thank the interviewer for his/ her time & for the opportunity.
• Later, you may be asked to come in for a second interview and sometimes a third interview. Apply same tips as above & be consistent in your answers with the answers you gave in the first interview..
• Thank the interviewer.
• Always follow up with a thank-you letter to everyone you have spoken to. 
• If you haven't heard from the employer within the time frame given to you at the interview, follow up with a call, note or email.

When a job interview doesn't produce a job offer:

• Poor personal appearance.
• Lack of focus. Be clear about what you want & what you don't want.
• Appearing too eager or too anxious. Listen 75% of the time & talk 25% of the time.
• Poor references. Always contact your references before you attend interviews & if you are not sure of what they will say, ask them. It's also a good idea to give them a copy of your resume.
• Poor attitude. Don't be arrogant.
• Very high salary expectations.
• Lack of common sense.
• Qualified, but not the most suitable for the job.
• Lack of potential.
• Late arrival to the job interview. 
• Inflexibility.
• Insincerity.
• Not being self motivated.

Related topics we'll be adding soon: phone interviewing & answers to the most asked interview questions.