by Ronnie Dauber

Created on: November 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 22, 2010

You can be successful at interviews and win the job when you go prepared and present yourself as an informed and valuable candidate. There are several things you can do to accomplish this task.

1. Visit the place of employment in advance to get an idea of how people dress so that your clothing style will be in accordance with their protocol. This will give you confidence in your own posture, and make you more comfortable in your physical presentation. It also impresses the employer in that you blend with the other employees right from the onset.

2. Do some research on the company and learn its history, its purpose, its mandate and its future goals. This will give you qualified insight into the employer's territory, and will enable you to converse with the employer on their level. It will also reveal to the employer that you are serious about your application, and are willing to learn the verve of the company. It can also push you to the top of their acceptance list because you have the benefit of this knowledge.

3. Prepare questions and answers in advance so that you can practice how to respond to the interviewer. Common questions asked at interviews are:

Q. Why do you choose to work for this company?

A. Tell them that this job is in line with your career choice and then state how it relates.

Q. Why do you feel we should select you?

A. Tell them about your qualifications and how your knowledge, experience and education can benefit the company.

Q. What are your strong points?

A. Tell them your qualifications, your areas of expertise, your skills and your integrity. Keep it professional.

Q. What are your weaknesses? (this will always be asked)

A. Do not list your personal bad habits or personality traits. Keep your answer career-minded only, and state the education or training or experience that you intend to pursue to enable you to perform better.

These questions are a giver at most job interviews and although they may seem tricky and inappropriate, they actually reveal your ability to perform the job.

4. Don't speak negative about any previous employer or employment regardless of your issues. Such words will destroy your character before them and create a doubt of confidence to the employer. Speak only positive, uplifting things and if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything.

5. If you are nervous take a pen or pencil and hold onto it during the interview so that your tension is directed to that object. Hold it on the table, below the table,

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