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Congratulations! Spending days, weeks, or possibly months of looking for the right job has finally paid off and you’ve been asked to come in for an interview. Then comes the biggest question of all, now what? You will only have 15 to 20 minutes to sell your experiences, attitude, and skills to the employer – most likely without knowing what the employer wants to hear from you. There are articles upon articles of advice on interviewing, from how to answer certain questions to how to dress – right down to the color of your socks! It can seem overwhelming, but remembering a few key points can help make your interview successful.

1. Research.
Find out a little bit about the company you want to work for. Visit the location in person if it is a store or building open to the general public. Visit the company’s Website and talk to anyone you might know who works there. What kinds of products or services does the company make or sell? What types of people work there? What are the typical hours this position requires? What are some of the day-to-day tasks that the job involves?

Make notes of things you want more information about and ask the employer about them at the end of your interview (it’s always a good idea to have a few questions to ask the employer, anyway!). Researching a company and the position make you stand out in an interview. It shows that you are really interested in working there

2. Practice
It sounds funny – and it looks even funnier – but practicing out loud for your interview will help you sound more polished and concise and less nervous in the actual interview. List a few key things you want the employer to know about you, and review common interview questions. Formulate answers to those questions and answer them out loud while looking at yourself in the mirror. This exercise prevents you from rambling in the interview and sounding unpolished and unsure. It also helps you discover what really does make you the best candidate for the job!

3.Dress to Make a Good First Impression.
In an interview, first impressions do matter. The best way to ensure a good first impression is to dress smart. If you are interviewing for a job in an office, it is usually best to wear a dark-colored, conservative suit (for both men and women). If you are interviewing for a job where the dress code is more casual (at a factory or a construction site, for example), nice slacks and a collared button-down shirt with a tie for men and a nice dress or blouse and slacks or skirt for women are usually appropriate. You should avoid wearing excessive jewelry, perfume, and flamboyant clothes. Good personal hygiene is also important.

If you are unsure what to wear, you should always go with the most conservative, professional option. Most experts agree it is better to be overdressed than dressed too casually. What you are wearing tells employers a lot about how serious you are about getting the job.

4. Be Conscious of Good Interview Etiquette.
This list could go on forever – there is literally an endless array of “dos” and “don’ts” for an interview – and not everyone agrees on every aspect of that list. There are, however, some basic “interview etiquette” tips that are important to remember.

Be on time for your interview. This is, perhaps, the most important. Employers expect employees to arrive on time to work. They may see a person who is late to an interview, when he or she is supposed to be showing his or her best side, as someone who will have difficulty arriving on time to work or meeting deadlines if hired.

Be aware of your body language. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and confident. Have good posture, but avoid appearing like you’re as stiff as a cardboard cutout. Even the most experienced professionals get nervous in an interview – it’s normal. However, if you appear too nervous, the interviewer might draw the wrong conclusions about your ability to do the job – especially if it involves interacting with people! Conversely, make sure you don’t slouch – this could give the impression that you are lazy or uninterested in the position. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer to convey confidence. When speaking, be polite and professional and avoid using slang and profanities. The more confident and polished you appear the more likely you are to leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.

Keep the interview positive. Avoid making negative remarks about any previous jobs or employers. Also, refrain from complaining about any job-related tasks or responsibilities you were given in a previous position. Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and able to meet and deal with challenges.

5. Be Prepared to Ask the Interviewer Questions.
This is where your research comes in. Employers want to know if you’re truly interested in the position. They also want to know that you have all the information you need to make a decision, if offered the job. It isn’t a good idea to turn the tables and “interview” the interviewer, but it is a good idea to go into the interview with a few questions in mind. This is your chance to ask additional questions about the business, the position, the requirements, and the expectations of the person who will fill the position.

Remember to ask questions that are relevant to the company and position for which you are interviewing.

6. Follow up with a Thank-You Note.
Make sure you let the interviewer know how pleased you were to have the chance to interview with him or her. Immediately after the interview, send the interviewer a thank-you note, thanking him or her for taking time to interview you. This is not only proper etiquette and a common display of appreciation, but it also allows you to reaffirm one or two key points of the interview. It also lets the interviewer know how interested you are in working for the company. Being polite and professional always makes a good impression.

All of this advice comes down to three important things to remember when you’re interviewing: being prepared, professional, and polite is the best way to make the right impression!

–The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.

Article Reference : http://www.employmentguide.com/careeradvice/Interview_Tips.html

Giving a job interview is felt as the most difficult one by many of the people. No wonder is it so. Giving an interview cannot only be difficult but very stressful too.

When you walk for an interview you leave an impression. The main part is your non-verbal communication. If you are nervous in an interview it’s something very obvious and natural and the interviewers also know that. When you are nervous you show it clearly by your body language you look like less confident and less convincing. This gives a poor impression and reduces your chances for having the job.

Being confident in an interview is a skill that can be learnt easily. But over confidence can be turned as arrogance. However, a little bit over confidence is alright.

There are several ways that can make you look confident easily. These ways are very simple to follow just like cracking an omelet. Just follow these tips and you will be very confident when you go for an interview next time.

Prepare Your Mind

Always think positive and feel better. If you will think about the thing that will go wrong then you will feel bad during the interview and lose your self confidence. To increase your self-confidence sit quietly before the interview and think about the positive things that are going to happen. Imagine yourself as a successful person.

Take Care Of Your Body Language

Pay a lot of attention to your body language. It is the posture which shows your level of confidence. Always sit straight and make good eye contact with the interviewer it leaves a good impression.

Prepare For The Subject

To be confident in an interview you must be aware of the subject you are going to give an interview upon. Read the stuff prior but do not over prepare. This helps in answering the questions for you can answer very easily if you have knowledge about the subject. Avoid repeating memorized sentences. It must not sound like you are too rehearsed. You don’t need to be word perfect but all you need is to have knowledge to speak about.

Be Friendly

Whenever you go for an interview try to be friendly with every one you meet at the interview site. An interview begins with the very first contact you make there even if you meet a custodian at the parking lot. Then comes the receptionist, or the interviewer. The employ may seek opinion, of every person you met, after you leave. If you gave a short shrift to the receptionist or the custodian it may make you seem arrogant.

Give A Shake Hand

Remember to shake hand with the person who will be interviewing you. It gives a positive impression and shows that you want to work there and are suitable for the job.

Eye Contact

If you maintain a proper eye contact then it will give an impression that you are confident and will have acceptance for the other person. Lack of eye contact leads to the impression of mistrust and low interest.

Always Give A Smile

Sometimes a smile works a lot as an impression on the interviewer and is very powerful. A smile shows that you are well prepared and in a good mood. It also affects the mood of others and makes their mood good. A smiling person if felt warm and friendly and this put the right mood for conversation.

Speak Clearly

Beside your posture and impression, the thing which matters a lot is the way you speak. This can make you misunderstood easily.

If you speak in a shy and a low voice it can deter your impression. You must speak in an energetic and lively voice which sounds good and friendly to the interviewer. Make yourself understandable.

Don’t Show Urge To Have The Job

Never give an impression that you desperately need that job. Be real and give the impression that you would have another chance to show your skills and work out with the complete ability of yours. Everyone has to start from somewhere so it doesn’t matter if the job is not exactly the one you wanted. Consider the recent job as best for you. Wait for a better chance that will make you shine.

Reference:

http://hassam.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Look-Confident-In-Interview

No offer; no call. You never hear from them. This is not only frustrating, but reflects poorly on the company. What can you do about this situation?

Not getting a follow-up call when promised is a very common occurrence. Candidates are sometimes sure that they aced the interview and are perfect for the position, in fact they are anticipating a call and an offer. But instead they get “nothing.” No offer; no call. They never hear from the company. This is not only frustrating, but reflects poorly on the company. In fact it is rude. What can you do about this situation? Here are some tips on how to handle the follow up that may save you from some anxiety.

1. Try to find out about the decision-process before you leave the interview. Ask when you could expect to hear back. Take that date and then add a few days before you start to worry.

2. Always send a follow up addressing any concerns you may have picked up or any thoughts you had about the position since the interview. Think of this as one more chance to put yourself in front of them.

3. After you have waited for a reasonable period beyond the date they stated, call and inquire as to the status of the position and whether you are still in the running.

4. As a general rule, don’t call on Mondays – bad day to market anything.

5. If you leave a message inquiring about the status of the job, and no one calls you back after a couple of attempts – move on and forget about it. Don’t call back more than a couple of times. There is a fine line between being persistent and being a pest.

6. If you are told you are no longer under consideration, try asking for feedback (most of the time they won’t give you any, but still worth a try). Ask if there is any additional information that you can supply that will convince them that you are the right person for the job.

7. Don’t rely on one job interview. No matter what was said in the interview – continue your search. There have been too many bad examples of those who thought they were a shoe-in – only to get a reject letter.

8. Don’t take it personally! There are about a thousand reasons that could have affected your chances.

9. Accept the fact that not all companies are right for you. Just like blind dates – they are checking you out and you are checking them out. Sometimes it’s chemistry – and sometimes it wasn’t right for you – for whatever reason.

10. Try not to get discouraged by the rejects. It’s a numbers game and your turn will come if you hang in there.

Reference:

http://www.50plus.com/employment/10-tips-for-the-interview-followup/2472/

Putting Your Best Self Forward and Getting the Job

Interviewing for a job is a nerve-wracking ordeal for many people. You may feel uncomfortable “selling” yourself or fielding unexpected questions. Or maybe the prospect of having to meet and impress new people is enough to trigger your anxiety. The good news is that interviewing is a skill you can learn. With the right tips and techniques—and plenty of practice—you can become a master of sharing your value with potential employers and presenting yourself effectively.

Interviewing techniques tip 1: Interview for as many jobs as you can

Let’s assume you have focused your search on certain types of jobs and types of employers. You have developed a preferred list of both. You have scanned the horizon, conducted research, compiled your questions, and engaged your network for assistance. Your resume is in order.

Then job openings start to pop up through your web searches and referrals. Some seem close but others don’t quite fit. You quickly skip over those jobs that are “beneath” you, have titles that appear to be foreign, or are in fields or industries you’re unfamiliar with. You have decided to be focused and only apply for positions that exactly match your search criteria.

But limiting your job search limits the possibilities. Once you create too many filters and requirements, you can easily overlook opportunities. In this type of market you have to get out there and actively uncover opportunities. Don’t dismiss opportunities to interview based upon superficial and narrow criteria. You never know when an interview for a “not-quite-right” job will result in a surprising match, a referral to another opening, or an entirely new position tailored to fit your unique experience and abilities.

Why you should interview as much as possible:

• You need the practice. Some of you have not interviewed for a while. You need to refine your story and you can only do that through practice. That means interviewing as much as you can.
• Interviewing will refine your job search. By getting out there and interviewing, you’ll learn about new trends, positions, and opportunities, your perspective will shift, and you’ll see new paths that you were previously unaware of.
• Interviewing will make your network stronger. As you engage your network for interview referrals and recommendations, you will not only strengthen existing connections, but you’ll meet new people who are connected to your network.
• Interviewing may lead to unexpected opportunities. If you have the skills and impress in the interview, that carries weight in the organization. Employers want to place good people and may even refer you to opportunities outside of the firm.

Interviewing techniques tip 2: Develop a compelling story

We tend to conclude that our lives are pretty much the same as other people’s, that they’re average and boring. As a result, many people don’t tell their own story well. But your story is so much better than you think. The way your life has evolved; the things you’ve learned; your achievements, failings, and dreams—these things are unique to you and much more interesting than you realize. Sharing your well thought out story is a powerful interviewing technique.

Your story is what helps people understand who you are and where you are going. So learn to tell your story and tell it well, especially for interviewing and networking purposes. Putting together your story takes a lot of work and practice. However, the benefits to you and to your career are enormous. Your stories:

• Give you confidence
• Increase your self-awareness

• Bring humanity to your resume
• Make you memorable and set you apart

Developing your story for job interviews

• Take a comprehensive inventory of the chapters of your life. Think about major events, memories, and turning points that shaped who you are. Make notes about your feelings, expectations, and frustrations, or what you learned, accomplished, and experienced. Organize your chapters by time periods or jobs.
• Focus on memorable “aha” moments. These stories need to have vivid dimensions so people will experience that moment with you. It may have been a moment with your mom on the porch, or a trip you took to a faraway place, or what a boss or mentor told you. The stories don’t have to be dramatic, just meaningful to you.
• Uncover the themes in your story. What emerges as your passion? Mentoring others, doing research, helping a specific type of client, advancing knowledge in your field? What gives you joy? Are you a teacher, a leader, an entrepreneur, a risk taker?
• Reflect on your career path. How have you arrived where you are today? Why did you make certain choices? Who helped you along the way? What motivated you then and now? Have your career goals remained the same or have they changed? Are you someone who likes new projects? Or executes the details of someone else’s vision?

Practice makes perfect

Once you’ve developed your story, the next step is to practice telling it—saying it out loud, ideally to others. Don’t wait until the interview to tell it for the first time. Try reciting it into a tape recorder or sharing it with a confidante for feedback. Get over your feelings of story inadequacy or thinking that a job well done speaks for itself.

As you become more comfortable in how to tell your story, you will see that your life has not just been a string of random events. Your story has a past and it has a future and the road ahead becomes clearer when you understand where you have been. The ultimate test will be the next time someone says, “Tell me about yourself.”

Interviewing techniques tip 3: Tailor your story to the job

Applying your story to a specific employer or job is the next step. Lining up the stories that apply to the opportunity at hand is critical. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes and pose the questions you would ask. Which stories are relevant to this job interview? Think about personal stories that show how you handled change, made choices under pressure, or learned lessons from mistakes and failures. You should also think about stories you can tell in the interview that reveal your skill set.

Learning and appreciating your story is a prerequisite to any interview process. Don’t rely on your ability to think on your feet. Anticipate the questions and have answers at the ready. In the end, this is about making a great and memorable impression that demonstrates competency and ability.

You may want to start by developing your stories around these areas:

• State times where you either made money or saved money for your current or previous company.
• Focus on a crisis or two in your life or job and how you responded or recovered from it.
• A time where you functioned as a part of a team and what that contribution was.
• A time in your career or job where you had to deal with stress.
• A time in your job where you provided successful leadership or a sense of direction.
• The failures you faced in your job and how you overcame them.
• The seminal events that happened during your career that caused you to change direction and how that worked out for you.

If you’re having trouble developing a good interviewing story, ask your friends or family members for their own success stories. Notice the elements that make them work, such as specific details and a smooth flow. Notice elements that don’t work, such as vagueness or rambling. Then think about your own experience and try to uncover the moments when you really excelled or when you rose to meet a challenge. After you identify several, practice them until they flow easy and work on adapting them to different types of questions.

Interviewing techniques tip 4: Be prepared

Interviews range from conversations lasting a few minutes to several formal meetings, sometimes with more than one interviewer. Interviews allow you to demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job, but you are not alone if interviews make you nervous. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable you will be when the questions start coming your way.

Job interview preparation tips:

• Do your research. Gather information about the company and the position available. Try to specifically relate your experience to the duties the job opportunity entails.
• Practice interviewing. Enlist a friend (better yet, a group of friends and colleagues) to ask you sample questions. Practice making eye contact.
• Record your practice sessions. Pay attention to body language and verbal presentation. Eliminate extra movements and verbal fillers, like “uh,” and “um.”
• Handle logistics early. Have your clothes, resume, and directions to the interview site ready ahead of time, to avoid any extra stress.

Don’t forget about your references

Don’t let your references be the last to know about your job search, or even worse, get an unexpected call from a potential employer. Many offers are withdrawn over bad references. Why take that chance? Get in touch with your references right away to seek help and to avoid surprises on either side.

• Are your references relevant to your current job search? Who should you add or subtract?
• Are there any reference gaps? Gaps that an employer will question? What is your story about those gaps?
• Can a colleague, vendor, customer, or board member be added to replace or enhance the list?
• What is the current status of your relationship with your references?

Interviewing techniques tip 5: Anticipate likely questions

To get to the motivations and working style of a potential employee, employers often turn to behavioral interviewing, an interviewing style which consists of a series of probing, incisive questions.

Sample behavioral interview questions include:

• Describe a situation in which you didn’t meet your stated goal, how did you handle it?
• Tell us about a situation in which you encountered resistance from key people, how did you convince the person or people to do what you wanted?
• Describe a situation in which you took the initiative to change a process or system and make it better, how did you identify the problem? How did you go about instituting change?

Preparing good interview answers

Interviewers will follow up your preliminary answers with further questions about your actions. To prepare for these types of interview questions, the following tips might help:

• Review your research about the company and the position.
• Make a list of key attributes for your desired job.
• Write sample interview questions that are likely to uncover the attributes you identified as important.
• Create answers to the sample interview questions based on a template such as “Situation – Action – Result” with specific details from your work experience.
• Practice answering the interview questions and follow-up questions so that you are very familiar with several detailed examples/stories. Rehearse key points.

Interviewing techniques tip 6: Ask questions during the interview

Being prepared and asking great questions about the position and the employer shows your interest during the interview. You can’t just be an effective responder. You need to assert yourself, too. By the time you reach the interviewing stage, you should be clear about what you want and what you offer to the company.

Try to be thoughtful and self-reflective in both your interview questions and your answers. Show the interviewee you know yourself—your strengths and your weaknesses. Be prepared to talk about which areas would present challenges and how you would address them. Admitting true areas of weakness is much more convincing than claiming: “I have what you need and I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Questions to ask potential employers in job interviews

• The people who do well at your company: what skills and attributes do they usually have?
• What do you like best about working at _____?
• What results are expected?
• What specific problems are you hoping to solve during the first six months?
• Who are the key internal customers? Any special issues with them?
• What happened to the person who had this job before?
• What communication style do you prefer?
• What is your philosophy regarding on-the-job growth and development?
• What are your goals for the department?

Source: Circle of Experts

Interviewing techniques tip 7: Focus on commonalities

A conscious goal you should have in every interview is finding common human connections. If you set out with the intention to discover how you and the person interviewing you are connected and what you share, you will discover commonalities much faster. And the interviewing process will be much less intimidating because of it.

Tips for discovering commonalities with your interviewer:

• Do your research. Google every person you know you are going to meet or think you might meet in the interview, especially senior executives. Learn what might be common areas of interest in advance.
• Listen and pay attention. If you listen during the interview and look for commonalities, they will seem omnipresent. When your interviewer mentions his or her alma mater, weekend plans, kids, or favorite restaurant, you have the chance to ask questions and find common ground. You can also take a look around the office. Do you see a book you’ve read, a product you want or just bought, or a photo you like? If so, you have a means to discuss commonalities.
• Lead with your interests and passions. How you introduce yourself and talk about yourself in the interview matters. If you integrate facts and interests into your spiel about yourself, then you create opportunities to connect. After the “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself” query, tell your story.
• Find common ground in the context. Where you are meeting, your surroundings, and the purpose of your connection are all reference points. There is a reason why both of you find yourself at this unique place and time. Why are you both in this business? Do you know the any of the same people?

While searching for commonalities, avoid pummeling your interviewer with a series of set questions. Let the interview happen naturally, but keep an eye out for hints of commonalities. Once you do, the world will feel like a smaller, friendlier place and your anxiety over interviewing will shrink.

Reference:

http://www.helpguide.org/life/interviewing_techniques_tips_getting_job.htm

Job interview generally precedes a hiring decision and takes place to evaluate the possible candidate. Most common job interview is the behavioral interview or the competency-based interview. In behavioral type or the competency-based interview the candidate is asked about some situations that they might have encountered earlier and how they reacted to them. This type of interview is based on the notion that a person’s past behavior is a good indicator of his future performance. Thus, this is more focused on the competencies or the aptitude and proficiency of a candidate.

In order to fully prepare for the interview, job interview help is required. This job interview help can be in form of various hints, tips, skills or job interview preparation. Different type of job interview help is available professionally in the form of job counseling sessions or career coaching programs.

The most essential job interview help that one can get is to know about the employer that one wants to work for. One must know what the company does and where does that particular job position, that one is applying for, stands in the company. Another very important job interview help is to relax and be stress free for the interview. One must not only answer questions but must be prepared to ask questions from the interviewer to clear any doubts, if any.

Being aware of one’s non-verbal behavior and listening carefully is also a very necessary job interview help or hint. Another essential job interview help or hint that can leave a lasting impression on the employer’s mind is to be on time. This would show that the candidate is serious about the job and really wants it.  http://www.careerberg.com

It is not just about the job interview help/hints before or during the interview that is critical. Some hints about what needs to be done after the job interview is also essential like making notes after the interview and sending a thank you note to the interviewer.

Do you possess the look of a professional? Do you look incredibly smart? Are you confident enough to take charge and get the job that you applying for?

Consider the fact that your resume is quite impressive and the employer can’t resist to have the audacity to ask you to come for an interview. But after the all the preparations, your final problem will surely comes up right after you realize and ask yourself ” what should I wear?” These things are actually important for the job hunters; people tend to have a systemic problem nowadays regarding what they should wear on a job interview. Honestly I’m wired toward automatically seeing the person in these kind of situations because I also had the same experienced when I was hunting for a right job. However many take these for granted, with the eloquence of having an “impressive resume” they forgot that applicants will not only be examined based on the job experience and personality but also with how they present themselves professionally.

Here are the top 20 tips in dressing for an interview

1. Research if the company or your potential employer has a specific dress code.
2. If your planning to buy new clothes, get good advice from sales persons.
3. Have the clothes altered to fit and accent your features.
4. Select an outfit that you have worn before and are comfortable wearing
5. Your hair should be clean and neat.
6. Do not wear a strong perfume or cologne, scent must be low key or absent.
7. Cover any tattoo and limit pierced jewelry to ears only.
8. For men – Wear a suit or sports jacket that is color coordinated with your trousers.
9. For men – You should have clothes in Neutral or dark colors such as blue, black or gray.
10. For men – Wear a conservative and low key tie. Avoid ties with flashy patterns.
11. For men – Keep your sneakers away. A clean, polished black leather shoes is highly recommended.
12. For men – Don’t forget to trim and clean your nails.
13. For men – White socks are definitely NO! Use dark socks.
14. For men – Use dark suit and light colored shirt.
15. For women – Wear a classic suit or simple dress paired with a jacket.
16. For women – The appropriate colors are navy blue, black, dark green, dark red, burgundy or gray.
17. For women – Don’t be too provocative or sexy.
18. For women – Trim your fingernails and use a polish that complements your clothes and would not distract the interviewer.
19. For women – Choose a moderate shoes which is clean and with heels that makes you comfortable.
20. For women – Use a tan or light hosiery.

Clothing will play a role in your career so you should continue to pay attention to your wardrobe. Add pieces made of high quality that will match to what you already have. Buy separates that can be mixed and matched. Dressing is not everything but it will definitely add up to your overall impression that you will make on. http://www.careerberg.com

These are some advices and the right tools that I can give to someone on their job hunting, but I have to leave it here. Because as we all end up with reality, applicants must not look good with their own respective dress but might as well have the confidence to make them qualified enough for the job. Job hunters should think first all the requirements before going to an interview, from the resume to his/her diploma. They must be ready to answer the question exquisitely. So if you want to have a job career in the future, you should consider these suggestions for you to succeed.

Your first real job interview can be a terrifying experience. Interviewees stress themselves out over what to wear and especially what to say. My experiences with job interviews have taught me not too take them too seriously. My first job interview after graduating college was with an insurance agency for a position that I was not at all interested in. Some people would consider going a complete waste of time but knowing that I would never take the position allowed me to approach the job interview as a learning experience.

I used that first interview to get a better idea of what to say and hone in on what employers were looking for. I did go out and get myself a great job interview outfit and I went in there with all the confidence in the world. One way to communicate your confidence to the interviewer is to give them a good, strong handshake. Where I come from, handshakes are a tradition when meeting a new person. Look the employer in the eye and give them a firm hand. This is a quick and simple way to assert yourself as a confident and self-assured applicant.

Always bring a copy of your current resume with you to a job interview. Be open and honest about your work experience but do not feel like you must be modest. Show them that you are a rare find who has qualities they will not find in anyone else. I feel more comfortable when I can throw in a bit of humor into a job interview. Without being too casual or laid back, I like to ease myself into the interview and help give a more human feel to the experience.  http://www.careerberg.com

It is easy for a job interview to feel forced and unnatural and I find that a touch of humor can ease those feelings. I think that it is very important to be yourself in an interview. You would not want to have to keep up a fade once you have the job and you want the employer to know what kind of person they are really hiring.

Being yourself in a job interview will ensure that you end up in the right place and working at the right place makes all the difference in the world. The more natural and honest you are the better. I like to really put myself out there because I figure that it is important that they like me for who I am so that there is no confusion later as to what they can expect from me and what compromises I am likely to make.

You want the job, but there are 30 candidates competing with you. How do you ensure that you are ahead of the pack? Sometimes, it all boils down to the very crux moment: Interview. Presenting yourself well in an interview can boost your chances of getting a job.

Here are some important things to note

Know about the company’s culture. It can make a decision whether to go casual or conservative and you may decide to go with colored paper for your resume to attract more attention. For example, if you are going for a creative job in an advertising agency and knowing that the company emphasizes on creativity, you may want to be a little creative in your resume to display your skills. Use good quality paper and envelopes.

Remember to proofread your resume for grammar, spelling and punctuation. Make sure your resume copies are clear and clean. Don’t print a resume for every job. Each should look like an original.

Look professional for the interview, men should wear a solid color, professional suit with a white long-sleeved shirt and conservative tie (no sports team logo or cartoon characters). Wear dark socks and dress shoes and stay away from jewelries like earrings. Get a near haircut and be sure your facial hair and nails are neatly trimmed.

When you go for an interview, be sure you know who is going to interview you. If you are interviewed by more than one person, pay attention when you are introduced to the next individual, and don’t forget their name. Nothing is more embarrassing than forgetting the name of the person to whom you are talking and of course it will reduce your chances of getting the job. If you missed out the name during introduction, don’t be shy, just ask the interviewer to repeat the name again.

Get to your interview early, find the building and check in. If you are going to drive or take the train, get directions to the location and carry a printed copy for reference just in case you are lost (Don’t be surprise, it’s a corporate jungle). Plan to get there 10-20 minutes early so that you can compose yourself for the interview. http://www.careerberg.com

This is usually the touchiest moment in an interview: Salary. When negotiating salary for your new job, do not damage your relationship with the company or the boss. Be realistic. Do not ask for more than you know a company can give. Of course, do not ask for lower than what you would expect. The best way to do it is to ask for a salary that is of the market rate. If you think that you are worth it, you can ask for 10%-15% more than the market rate.

In short: know the company, know yourself, be confident and you will definitely get your dream job.

Preparing well for a job interview can be the secret to success. More often than not, people ignore the significance of preparing well for an interview. It is essential to work on your special skills and abilities, to highlight yourself as the ideal selection. Preparing includes understanding the company and the job profile, the reason why you want to be a part of that organization and in what way the organization would benefit by hiring you. These form some of the common questions that are asked by interviewers. Preparing for a job interview enhances the quality of your interaction skill. It helps you to empower yourself with confidence in your own abilities.

Basic Preparation
There are no hard and fast rules associated with the preparation of a job interview. But, there are certain tried and tested strategies that can be implemented to increase your chances of success. Basic preparations include an objective assessment of skills, values, interests and achievements, updating your resume and research on the organization and the position applied for. It also includes practicing answers to probable questions. You need to also pay attention to the details of your chosen attire and overall appearance, knowledge of the location of interview and the protocol for follow-up. http://www.careerberg.com

Main Preparation Prior To The Interview Procedure

Aside from basic preparation, you also need to prepare for certain important factors. Some are mentioned below:

Self-Assessment:
This is very important and should be done methodically to understand yourself better. It helps you to assess your abilities, identify your strengths and discover areas for improvement. You should keep all concrete achievements, including articles, congratulatory letters, certificates and appreciation from clients or your present employer.

Updating Your Resume:
You need to update your resume so that all of your recent achievements are included. Your resume should be written with functional headings to help the interviewer focus on your achievements. Your resume is the primary introduction to the employer. It should be designed to create a favorable impression; therefore, you should ensure that your resume is written with crystal clarity.

Research:
Research helps you to assimilate information about the company. You should gather as much information as possible on the company before attending the interview. You could visit the public library, local bookstore and the Internet to collect relevant data. This enables you to understand the work culture, mission and priorities of the organization.

Utilize Your Alumni Network:
It would be helpful for you to discuss the organization with alumni who have already worked or are working in the organization.

Interviewing is a skill that is best developed by practice, to ensure improvement in your style and presentation at an interview. Preparing for a job interview is one of the most crucial stages of building a career. It has the power to make or break your interview.