It’s the means to achieve a job you truly seek and a workplace is where you’ll be spending a major portion of your life in the coming years and all that you need to do is impress the hiring manager that you would be a great addition to the firm.

A job interview is just like any other social interaction but it demands not just communication skills but also a good amount of presentation skills. Effective presentation of your accomplishments and qualifications related to what the employer is looking for will tilt the balance in your favor.

An interviewer wants to determine if you’re qualified, motivated, and a good fit for the position; your objective is to convince this person that you are. You look forward to a job offer and not for mere evaluation of the company or to explore the existing job opportunities. The employer, on the other hand, looks for qualifications, a positive attitude, stable work history, sense of purpose, performance standards, communication skills, and most importantly your interest in his company.

An interview is an opportunity provided by an organization to present your skill set and explore the chances of better working conditions and a better life with them. An undecided or tentative attitude has no place in the interview. Giving the impression that you are not keen on taking the job and that you are just shopping around is a fatal mistake committed by some candidates. Here are some tips that will help you nail your next job interview

Here are some tips that will help you nail your next job interview

• Preparation
• Do’s and Don’t Do’s
• Closing the Interview

Preparation 

The key to success in an interview is Preparation.

Preparation helps you stay calm under the pressure of an interview and plays a key role in a successful outcome.

Following are some suggestions on preparation:

Research the company

It’s always important to learn as much as possible about the firm you intend to work in. Interviewers often ask open-ended questions such as “What do you know about our company?” or “Why do you wish to join us?” and try to explore the specific reasons for your interest in the job they wish to offer. Conducting research on the company will help you answer such queries intelligently. Try to get as much information as possible on the History of the company, Products and services offered, Job description, financial status, and the future plans of the company. To achieve this, you can visit the company website, talk to your friends and acquaintances, and glance through news reports.

You must formulate some questions about the company and the job offered as the interviewers do expect such queries from you. It also proves that you have done your homework.

You can also take your friend’s help in preparing to answer the common questions interviewers ask. Also, prepare yourself for salary negotiation by having a range in your mind.

Your Portfolio

Arrange the important papers such as resume, work samples, appreciation letters, certifications, etc in order in a portfolio or a briefcase. Don’t forget to carry a pen, pencil, and a notepad.

The resume is your calling card. The presentation of the resume plays a vital role in selection during the initial phase of scrutiny by the Human resource personnel. Here are some Resume preparation tips.

Attire

Good attire shows professionalism and respect and most importantly that you know how to dress for an interview. Always avoid bright, flashy colors and bizarre patterns. Light colors or medium to dark grey is always the best. Make sure you wear costumes that make you feel comfortable and don’t need adjustments when you sit or move around. Always maintain good hygiene – comb the hair, trim your fingernails, clean shave, wear clean and pressed costumes, avoid excess jewelry, avoid strong perfume or cologne, gargle with mouthwash (No one would feel comfortable in the company of a person who smells onions). Most importantly avoid stuffing your pockets with cigarette packs or any jingling items like coins.

In short, be conservative in your use of fragrance, cosmetics, jewelry, and wear business attire in neutral colors.

Punctuality

Check the venue of the interview and make sure you reach the location at least five minutes before the interview – Unless specifically instructed beforehand to come early to fill up the job description form. Don’t bring any uninvited guests with you to the venue. Turn off your Cell Phone before you walk into the hiring manager’s cabin.

Do’s and Don’ts Do’s 

Interview Do’s:

» Hone your communication skills before your interview day. Express your views and thoughts in a very sincere and factual manner
» Greet everyone at the venue in a courteous manner
» Give a firm handshake and greet the interviewer with a smiling face
» Maintain Positive body language. Proper eye contact, crossing arms, hurried to nod; offensive body posture, etc. may convey negative messages to the interviewer.
» As said earlier, the interview is like any other social interaction and is expected to be a two-way conversation. Pay attention to the job description and your expected role and give the impression that you are keen to learn more about company activities and management.
» Stay positive. Even if you get a feeling that the interview is not going positive for this position, maintain your posture

Interview Don’ts

» Never report late to the interview. Try to be at the venue at least 5 minutes before the stipulated time
» Never reply in just “Yes” or “No” where ever you can be more informative.
» Don’t pretend to know something when you don’t
» Interviewer expects YOU to talk more than your resume. Be communicative and explain your strengths.
» Never criticize or talk negatively about your previous employers.
» Don’t get deviated from the point. Focus your attention on the topic.
» wait for the interviewer to ask you if you have any questions. It’s not a good idea to ask about the sick leaves, lunch breaks or vacations during your first interaction itself

Closing the Interview 

Closing the interview in the right manner is equally important in making a lasting impression on the interviewer and be ahead of other competitors for this position.
Try to end your interview on a positive note emphasizing your interest in the job and ask what would be the next step. Make a point to send all the interviewers a thank-you note after the interview.

Be prepared to attend two or more interviews with the same company. If you are called for another interview it only means they are interested in you and that they are narrowing the competition also.