| You have just being called to attend an interview for a | | | | interview. The more you practice, the more confidence |
| seemingly remarkable job! Unless you are successful | | | | and comfortable you are and the less nervous you will |
| at the interview, there is no other way to lock in that | | | | be at the interview. |
| job. Like most people, you are probably very | | | | The first impression you make at the interview is the |
| inexperienced at interviews since you do not have the | | | | most important. The first impression should not be just |
| chance to master the skill and you rarely do it. | | | | a good one but a great one. The first judgment of you |
| Therefore successful interview requires a strategy | | | | is based on the way you look and what you are |
| which begins from preparation and rehearsal to making | | | | wearing. Remember to dress professionally even if the |
| a great impression at the actual interview. | | | | work environment is casual. It is always preferable to |
| The first step is to do research on the company. | | | | overdress for an interview. Imagine how you would |
| Gather the information of your prospective employer | | | | appear when you are confident and on top of the |
| through internet websites, libraries, annual reports, | | | | world. Standing straight and tall with head high and |
| journals, newspapers, or even contacting the existing | | | | sporting a relaxed look with a slight smile. |
| stakeholders like employees, shareholders, suppliers | | | | It is very important to be on time for the interview. This |
| and customers. This will help you to give a | | | | means being ten to fifteen minutes early. Remember |
| knowledgeable answer to questions like "What do you | | | | to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of |
| know about our company?" and "Why do you want to | | | | references. |
| work here?" Knowing the past and future plans of the | | | | When you introduce yourself to each interviewer, be |
| company will certainly give you a leg up against the | | | | sure to make eye contact and let the interviewer |
| other candidates. It certainly demonstrates your | | | | initiates the handshake. Match the pressure of their |
| interest and ensures an interactive interview. Know the | | | | handshakes. Do not rush through the introduction, wait |
| position you are applying and be ready to ask your | | | | a moment at each interviewer and smile at each of |
| prospective employer for details of the job scope and | | | | them. |
| responsibility. Google online to get as much information | | | | Your body language tells a lot about you during the |
| as you can on the company. Absorb the facts and | | | | interview. Be sure to sit up and lean slightly forward in |
| figures and be prepared to show your understanding | | | | your chair. Keep eye contact with the interviewer as |
| during the interview. | | | | much as possible. Be sure to project the energy and |
| Like most people, you probably can count the number | | | | enthusiasm. Try to mirror the interviewer's demeanor |
| of times you were at interviews by the number of | | | | and style. Taking notes is an effective way to show |
| fingers of your hands. To be professional and making | | | | your interest in the opportunity you're your attention to |
| a great impression, you need to fine tune this skill. You | | | | detail. Bring a notepad or portfolio and a pen to take |
| will not have the luxury of a second chance. Be | | | | notes during the interview. |
| pragmatic and practice being interviewed. Ask your | | | | Interview itself can be a memorable experience. Leave |
| close friend to help you do a mock interview. Better | | | | a lasting impression with a good closing. When you are |
| still, video tape your performance. | | | | asked for any question at the end of the interview, |
| Replay your performance and look for the gaps. | | | | you should ask each interview at least one question. |
| Anticipate the possible questions and practice the | | | | This is your last chance to make sure that you leave |
| answers. Each answer should be no more than three | | | | the interview with no doubts in the interviewer's mind. |
| minutes. | | | | Ask this question, "Do you have any concern about |
| Behavioral based interviewing is commonly used these | | | | my ability to do this job?" Clarify anything in your |
| days. This is based on the fact the future | | | | background that you have not communicated well in |
| performance of a potential candidate can be predicted | | | | the interview. If you feel that there is an incorrect |
| by his past performance. Rather than the typical | | | | impression of the interviewer, clarify and change it. The |
| interview questions on your background and | | | | next question you can ask is, "I am excited about this |
| experience, you will be asked to pinpoint specific | | | | opportunity, how do we proceed?". This certainly |
| instances in which a particular behavior is exhibited in | | | | pushes the interview in your favor. It helps the |
| the past. In these behaviorally based interviews, it is | | | | interviewer to take notice of you and perceive your |
| difficult for the candidate to guess the behavior the | | | | genuine interest. |
| interviewer is verifying. A typical question could be "tell | | | | Finally always follow up after your interview with a |
| me an important goal you've set in the past and how | | | | thank-you note. It is appropriate to send the interviewer |
| you accomplished it?" Prepare a list of the questions | | | | an email, thanking him or her for the time. Reiterates |
| and attempt to answer them. Rehearse your answers. | | | | your interest in the opportunity and mention one area |
| Take the cue from the successful athletes and | | | | from your notes that answers the interviewer's hot |
| performers, visualize your interview and how you will | | | | button. |
| present yourself and answer those questions at the | | | | |