Interview preparation and basic tips

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Make a Great First Impression

People often say "you never get a second chance to make a first impression", and that's
actually quite truewhich is why it's so important to start on the right foot.
So, knowing that, how do you make the best first impression possible?
Everyone's different, and while you don't want to be too formulaic, there are definitely a few
things you'll want to keep in mind that should universally help show you in a positive light while
preparing for a job or employment interview.Small things make a huge difference and we have
listed tips to make the first impression the best and make the interview a successful one.

1. Your interview starts the moment you walk into the building; anyone you meet may
be connected with the hiring manager or the hiring team.
2. Be nice to everyone you meet from the receptionist up to the senior-level
executives;everyone's opinion counts.
3. If interviewing with several people at the same time, give everyone equal attention; you
never know who the real decision maker is.
4. Answer interview questions by communicating strong stories of success; prove what
makes you unique rather than just explaining what you did.
5. Try to ask questions throughout the interview; it should be a conversation not an
interrogation.
6. Asking questions during the interview helps you uncover key issues and better prepares
you to answer questions throughout the interview.
7. Be sure to ask what the next steps in the interview process are so you can prepare
an appropriate follow-up strategy.
8. Create a brief and visually interesting presentation about your skills and achievements to
give to the hiring manager during the interview.
9. When asked questions about mistakes you have made, be authentic, explain what
you learned from the experience, and don't get defensive.
10. If asked about your weaknesses, don't spin weaknesses into strengths; it's not credible and
who wants to hire someone they don't trust?
11. Ask big-picture questions about the company and how the department you are
interviewing with fits into the company's long-term goals.
12. People think they should talk in general terms about career successes, but you build
trust with interviewers by talking about specifics.
13. If recruiters ask you to "walk them through your background," focus on your core
message of value, not the five positions you held pre-2001.
14. Interviewees are a risk to hiring managers because they don't know you. Prove success
that can be duplicated in their company to earn trust.

15. A good interviewee is also a good listener. The questions asked provide clues to what
the hiring manager needs and expects.
16. For women, avoid heavy perfume, makeup, and jewelry on interviews. For men, go for
a clean-shaven look, short hair, and polished shoes.
17. For men and women, cover up any tattoos and remove body piercing before
interviews (other than earrings for women).
18. Before the interview, turn off your cell phone, take loose change out of your pocket, and
don't show up with your own coffee from Starbucks.
20. Be memorable for what you say during an interview, not for what you wear.
21. On phone interviews, sit in front of a mirror to make you feel like you are in front of
someone-- even if that someone is yourself.
22. During a phone interview, the only tool you have to communicate enthusiasm is your
voice; vary your tone to communicate fit and interest.
23. Phone interviews are like open-book tests; keep any necessary notes handy so you
can refer to them during the call.
24. While waiting for your interview, check out the surroundings. Do people look frazzled
or happy? These are clues into the department culture.
25. Try to relax - dont sit on the edge of your chair and don't lean too far back: sit up
reasonably straight and still.

4 Different parts of interview preparation


The job interview is a crucial part of your job search because its an opportunity for the
employer to figure out if youre right for the job. This page will provide you with information to
prepare for your job interview so that you can make a positive and lasting impression.

1. Physical part of interview preparation
Applicants often forget on this critical part of job interview preparation. To have a good sleep
and a good meal can be critical.
Also to run a half marathon one day before the job interview is not a very best idea. If your body
hurts, your mind will be too focused on it and your interview concentration low.
Best thing you can do is to spend a perfect day, or at least a perfect half-day before your job
interview. Do what you like, go for a walk to nature, or watch your favorite TV series.
Do not stress yourself too much in the last moments. Thats never positive. Go to bed early the
day before your job interview and have a good tasty breakfast definitely.
Enjoy your time before the job interview, so both your mind and body will be relaxed and ready
for the important moment. You will need your best performance in the job interview to have a
chance.

2. Informational part of interview preparation
This is the part most of the applicants focus on before their job interview. Of course, it is also a
very important one. You should definitely double-check all your materials, your interview
portfolio, resume, but also your travel plan and all the little things to ensure everything is at
place.
You should read the company website carefully, the same about their Facebook account,
Twitter account etc.
Clever applicants will also use Google search feature to check some information about people
that will interview them. Armed with all these information you can easily show your strong
interest and desire to work for the company and also compliment someone from the
interviewers, for their recent achievements.
Don't go into the interview with lots of baggages - Psychological or physical
If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc, get them ready well in advance to avoid
having to chase around on the morning of the big day.
Research the Company
In general, you want to find out:
what products or services the company sells
who their customers and competitors are
how the company is doing within the industry
what the company culture is like

3. Mental part of interview preparation
It is exactly the mental part of interview preparation where the biggest gap between winners and
losers stands. When going to the job interview, it is critical to have the right mindset.
* Be relax
* Listen positive music's or play video game whatever to clear your mind.
* In case that you strongly believe into the last minute preparation, do it in a relaxing, simple
way. Do not bury yourself with tons of papers. That will just confuse you and make you feeling
stressed


4. Practical part of interview preparation
Although all of us have heard that any practice is better than theory, just few apply it also when
speaking about job interviews. At your job interview you're certain to be asked specific
questions about your CV, your potential employer and the industry, so make sure you've done
your homework.
Have a mock interview with a friend based on the interview questions you're likely to face.

Deciding what to wear for your interview:

Preparations
Let's say you are going for an interview tomorrow. You have prepared yourself well for the
occasion - anticipating the questions and getting ready the answers - but have you given a
thought to what you will wear?
If you have not peeked into your wardrobe yet, it's time to take a real hard look now. Your
application's fate depends not just on how well you answer the interview questions, but also
on how well you project yourself physically. The first impression your interviewer makes
about you is based on the way you look, and you know what they say about first
impressions. According to Joe Hodowanes, J.M. Wanes and Associates career strategy
advisor, "The way a person dresses is the single biggest non-verbal communication you
make about yourself." The right dressing is a measure of the seriousness that you place on
the position, as a person normally spends time on his looks if he considers an event
important enough.
"Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job, a poor dress sense may exclude
you from further consideration," warns Gerry Ditching, managing partner of Filgifts.com.
Besides, given two equally good applicants, the company y may choose to hire the person
who is dressed more professionally. Here are some tips to give you a head start.
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Men
Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks. White is still the safest and the best color for shirts. The
colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather. Also acceptable: pale shades such as
beige, blue, and other pastels.
Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves. Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an
interview or any business purpose. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your executive
image.
Ties (Optional): But if you do wear one, choose a conservative pattern. Solids, small polka
dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys are all acceptable.
Belts: Belts should match your shoes. Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look
more professional.
Socks: Black socks are the best, followed by blue or gray, depending on your attire. Never
wear white socks! Check your sock length, too--no skin should show when you sit down or
cross your legs. Shoes. Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them, because tassel
loafers are very casual. Other suitable colors are brown, cordovan and navy.
Hair: Keep neat, short and preferably parted on the side. And shave off all those facial hair.
Jewellery: Wear no or little jewellery. The watch and wedding ring are the only acceptable
pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire. Thin gold or leather-strapped watches look
professional but not digital watches. Also, avoid political or religious insignias, necklaces or
bracelets. Definitely Accessories. As much as possible, use leather briefcases or folders to
hold copies of your resume. Use narrow briefcases and avoid plastic folders and plastic ball
pens as they are out of place.
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Women
Three-piece business suits, blouse and skirt or slacks, and cardigan twin-sets. Sleeveless
shirts should be rejected. Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have
features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like look. Skirts
can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or short
where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee. Nothing too revealing, please!
Panty-hose or stockings: A must for professional grooming, but nothing with overly fussy
patterns. Bring an extra pair, just in case the ones you are wearing run.
Shoes: Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1-inch heels suggest a more professional
look. Dark colors are best.
Hair : Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back. Don't let it fall in
front of your face and don't keep trying to fix it during the interview. Avoid large hair
ornaments and trendy hairstyles.
Make-up: Be subtle; natural is the key word. Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish are
recommended.
Jewellery: Be conservative. Studs of gold, silver or pearls are best. Do away with gaudy
fashion jewelers, and those that clank and make noise when one moves.
Accessories: Folders and bags should blend well with the total professional look. Women
should match their purse with their shoe colour.



How Body Language Can Make or Break Your Interview

We all know interviews are nerve racking! What do you think is more important in an interview:
what you say or body language? The answer is BODY LANGUAGE!
Many job seekers practice what they are going to say in an interview, but few think about body
language. With a little more practice, a candidate can show off their confidence,
professionalism, and leave a more positive impression on the interviewer, which will better their
chances in landing the job!
Studies show that messages and/or meaning are communicated in the following ways:
* 55% by body language and facial expressions
* 38% by your tone of voice
* 7% by what you actually say

Body Posture
The experts agree that aiming for a neutral posture is your best bet. Leaning back suggests
boredom or lack of interest
Leaning forward can be just as problematic, as it can seem overly solicitous or even
threatening. Dont crowd the interviewer by leaning in too closely or over his or her desk,
Standing or sitting up straight sends a message of self-assurednessbut it also makes you
appear taller, which around the world is seen as a sign of smarts, confidence and credibility.
During the interview sit up straight, relax your shoulders, and fold your hands together in your
lap. Some people don't know what to do with their hands, so it is best to keep them folded. Don't
fold your arms across your chest. This can indicate a defensive attitude.


The posture with arms and legs crossed (POSTURE B) is called a CLOSED posture. It
usually signifies a defensive or negative attitude, but beware of misinterpretation - the
person may just be cold. The other posture with arms and legs uncrossed (POSTURE A)
is called an OPEN posture and usually suggests a more relaxed, open attitude.

Physical Gestures
Pointing is often perceived as an aggressive motion and in some cultures is considered
incredibly rude. Eventoff says any fast, repeated or aggressive hand gestures should be kept to
a minimum.
Avoid chopping gestures" chop gestures can psychologically cut up the space between you
and your interview in an aggressive way.
Enunciate your words and phrase precisely. Also, don't speak in a monotone voice- this
shows a lack of enthusiasm.
Don't fidget! It can be very distracting to the interviewer if you shake your leg, play with your
hair, wave your hands, click a pen, ect. Make sure to keep hand gestures to a small movement.
Make sure to show enthusiasm in the interview: smile, nod your head, ect.

Pay attention to the following.
Sit erect comfortably without craning your neck. Do not slouch.
Look attentive, keen and interested.
Talk clearly, maintaining a pitch that is comfortably audible to the person(s) around.
Do not get overexcited even while describing your achievements and strengths.
Listen to the queries attentively, constantly maintaining polite eye contact with the interviewers.
Nod your head to show that you are listening, interjecting appropriately with Yes Sir/Madam,
absolutely, definitely etc.
Lean forward a little as you speak and backward as you listen.
Do not fidget, touch your face, or shake your legs.
Keep your arms either on your sides or in your lap. Do not fold your arms, as it is a sign of
rudeness.
Use short simple sentences while talking.

As You Enter
Depending upon whether you are being interviewed by one person or a panel of interviewers,
greet politely Good Morning/Afternoon or Evening depending upon time of the day.
If there are more than one person then address them as Sirs/Madams and try to encompass
them all in your greeting. If there is only one lady in the panel, it is polite to greet her separately.
Most probably you will be offered a seat. Do not sit down unless you are asked to.
Facing the Interviewers
As you sit across the interviewer (s), look confident and relaxed. In most cases the interviewers
themselves will try to put you at ease. Believe that they are there to let you prove your worth
and mean no harm to you.

"Before going on your next interview, make sure to practice your body language. "