First and foremost you must prepare well. Write a resume that you can back up with facts during the interview. Well before the meeting; prepare yourself by combing through your resume and jotting down successes and failures. Be sure to pen stories that you can relate, just stating facts weakens your position if you can highlight how you succeeded in x, y, or z against most odds that will highlight your skills.



Always dress appropriately for an interview. Most HR persons will check whether a person is well groomed and has clean finger nails and footwear. Wear a clean well pressed suit that is comfortable. Interviews use grooming as one criterion to judge whether a person will fit the company culture.

Be prepared for complex interviews:

?The latest trend is to follow a half hour behavioral interview format. In this method your past experiences and behaviors are tested and used as an indicator of future success. See: http://interview.monster.com/articles/timewhen/ . Read about this kind of interview and be prepared to showcase your abilities well.

?Prepare thoroughly. Research as much as possible on the company get not just performance information but personal feed back as well. Know about profit, future plans, company structure and culture, as well as HR policies.

?Prepare answer difficult as well as easy questions. If you practice answering difficult questions then you will not falter at the interview. Focus on strengths, skills, achievements, and what you can bring to the company.

?Surf the World Wide Web and find out what are the most likely questions in an interview. See how well you can answer the commonly asked questions.

It is ideal if you do mock interviews with a career counselor or friend. Try standing in front of a mirror and practice posture as well as speaking.

Tips:

Arrive at the venue before time. Switch of your mobile or pager.

Keep on hand extra copies of your resume.

?Wish the interviewer or panel with courtesy and sit down only after you are asked. Sit with poise and confidence.

?Speak slowly and clearly and keep calm. If a question is not clear ask for clarifications.

?Collect your thoughts before speaking.

?Be honest about achievements as well as mistakes. Never cover up or lie.

?Ask questions that are relevant to the job you are interviewing for.

?Be assertive and confident and do not be intimidated by the interviewer or panel.

?Request the interviewer for a business card and send a polite thank you note on reaching home.

?On the day of the interview try and prepare for the ordeal ahead by listening to music, doing stretching exercises or yoga, or meditation and breathing. Keep all you need including your clothes ready the day before. Plan how you will travel and if you are driving where you will park the car. Reach the venue early and sit down at a caf? to eat something light and drink some tea or coffee. Never go to an interview on an empty stomach the queasiness will just be worse.

According to the gurus in career counseling it is important to be yourself and never ever compromise in your values or what you believe in.