Find out what is unique in you that makes you stand out and makes you the right choice for the job advertised.

The first thing you need to have is an outstanding resume, one that will guarantee you an interview. Every organization wants only the best employees, and you need to prove that you qualify.

Some basic preparation to determine your uniqueness is in order.

1. Recognize your strengths. You need to review what you have already done as well as your competence and aptitude level. Your past appraisal reports, verbal or written, will help you with this.

2. Identify your skills. The skills and experience you have acquired over the years will help you handle your new job. You have technical skills as well as software skills that you carry with you wherever you go. Stress these strengths. For example, your communication, management and interpersonal skills might be your forte.

3. Highlight your personality. You also have certain personal traits that make you unique. You have a record of meeting deadlines. You have initiative and a great attitude. Being positive will carry you a long way.

4. Follow up your list of strengths with examples to support them. This is most important if your interviewer is to believe that you are not claiming strengths you may not actually have. This will help you stand out.

Locating the Job of Your Choice

Geographical limitations should not stop you from applying for a job that you are suited for.

Read every advertisement carefully, noting what each company is looking for. Then make your notes in two columns, one with the heading "What the organization is looking for" and the other "What I have to offer." This exercise will help you see the closest matches.

It will help you identify your skills and strengths and how you might apply them. Spell them out in as many words as the advertisement calls for. This will make your resume stronger. You should also use this information in an interview situation.

Facing Your Interviewers

Remember to research the organization before the interview. This will demonstrate your interest in the company and also help you frame questions to them.

Wearing the appropriate clothing is important for any interview, so it is best to find out ahead of time what that is. In general, attire for an interview is formal; but if your research tells you that the organization is informal, dressing more casually might be a better choice.

Women candidates are faced with more choices. A good policy is to wear nothing very dramatic and keep it conservative. It's better to avoid fragrances the day of the interview.

Always remember: first impressions are often the last impressions, so make the best of that interview call. You may not get a second chance.