by Sue E

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: January 25, 2009

Interviews are exciting events in a job seeker's life. They provide the perfect opportunity to showcase one's achievements, skills and marketability. Every verbal and non-verbal cue is paid attention to and there is no such thing as being over-prepared for an interview.

Pre-interview preparation

*Its important to brush up on the skills listed in the resume as most of the questioning stems from what the job applicant already claims to know.

*A few minutes reviewing the company's website will be time well-spent.

*Imagine being the interviewer and make a list of what he/she would expect a job applicant to know.

*Work out the logistics of getting to the interview in an appropriate attire and on time.

*Make a list of questions for the interviewer that both reflects your curiosity in the job and in the company. Its important to know that the interview is also a place for the job applicant to evaluate a company, their work culture and the nature of job required.

*Make extra copies of resume and always carry extra sheets of plain paper and a pen.

Interview Day Presentation

*Being on time for the interview is the single most important thing in a job interview. Tardiness, in an interview, reflects that the applicant is flippant and not serious. First impressions are the best impressions.

*Remember to switch off cell-phones and pagers, before the interview is underway.

*Take several deep breaths and practice some relaxation, as being stressed does not show one in very good light.

*Start and end the interview with a firm handshake, express interest in the conversation and make eye contact during the entire interview.

*Ask the interviewer how they would like to be addressed and address them by name when possible.

*Provide honest, forthright answers and be sure to say so, if you do not know the answer to what you are being questioned about.

*When questioned of weaknesses or strengths, don't provide unrealistic answers, like "I don't have any weaknesses" or "I'm good at everything I do", even if you believe its true. Being unable to talk about weaknesses might reflect that a person is unwilling to learn.

*Ask questions that express your interest in the job and the company and clarify doubts.

*Do not talk about salary unless the interviewer brings it up.

*Do not hesitate to showcase your achievements in case the interviewer did not initiate discussion on that area.

*If the company has had a history of layoffs every year, ask the interviewer to talk about it and how it might affect your job or department.

Post Interview Thank You notes

*After the interview, personal Thank You notes are invaluable and makes the interviewer remember you, more clearly than the person who didnt send any.

*Express your interest and willingness to answer any other question the interviewer may have, if it was not already covered in the interview.

*Thank You notes should have your cell phone number and email address, for easy call-back.

Interviews are great opportunities to market your skills and knowledge. But its not a one way street. Interviewers sometimes go to great lengths to prepare for interviews also and try to ensure that they are hiring the best possible candidate for the job. They need you as much as you need them, sometimes even more. So, even in a recession prone economy, its important not assume we have to sell ourselves short. Think like the interviewer, prepare well and the high paying job just might be yours.

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