Interview Preparation--------General Guide line

The most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression.

Google the Company!

Not being able to answer the question “What do you know about this company?” might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an “About Us” section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.

Read the Job Description

It is imperative that you review the job description and the skills requested. Be able to articulate how your experience fits the need and how you can add value.

Introductions

It is important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, sit after the interviewer has sat down, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know you are interested in the position. Insure you do this before you even answer any interview question.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

Insure you demonstrate confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning — or quick ending – to your interview.

Stay Calm

During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you’re not sure what’s been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace. Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond.

Communication Skills
Insure you speak slowly and clearly articulate your responses to questions. Do not allow your mouth to run ahead of your brain.

Answer the Questions

When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. Do not be afraid to share projects that have gone awry, but be sure to follow it up with what you did to get the project back on track. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don’t answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Do Not Talk Too Much

There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on… The interviewer really doesn’t need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don’t ramble – simply answer the question.

Insure You Talk Enough

It’s really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn’t pleasant. So, even though you shouldn’t talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.

Badmouthing Past Employers

Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn’t wait to leave? Even if it’s true don’t say so. Stay Professional. It’s sometimes a smaller world than we think and you don’t know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot… You also don’t want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren’t the best.

Don’t Be Cocky

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence and arrogance. Even if you’re putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Ask Questions

At the end of the interview you will usually be given a chance to ask any questions. When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, “No.” Wrong answer! It is extremely important to ask questions, not only do they allow the interviewee to acquire more information but they also demonstrate your interest in the position and company.
The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information

Closing
When the Interview is Complete Insure you thank the manager for his time. In most cases the manager will advise you as to when he will make his decision. If he does not define that fact, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. Let the interviewer know that you think you would be a good fit for his or her team and look forward to hearing from him soon.