Research The Company

Researching the company will help you to better understand where your role fits and your knowledge will boost your credibility with the interviewer. The company website, annual report, newsletters, and media releases can provide you with valuable information on the company\'s key products and services, target markets, recent events, structure, culture and future direction.

Review Job Details

Understanding of the role is very important. Carefully go through the job description. This information is useful for anticipating what you are likely to be asked, so that you can prepare relevant responses beforehand.

Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy. Also have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready.

Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses

The interview is your opportunity to \'sell\' yourself, so be sure to have prepared concrete examples of what makes you special. Note down the key achievements so they are top of mind when responding to questions, and use them to demonstrate how you can meet the needs of the employer better than any other applicant. Analysis and work on your weaknesses beforehand.

Get Ready
Your appearance conveys how serious you are about the role, and how you would represent the company in the future. Be sure to dress appropriately; neat, professional and relatively conservative. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.

Be On Time
Punctuality is a strong indicator of your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role. Confirm the time and address of the interview, research directions and aim to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early. Bring any required documentation and the phone number of the person you will be meeting with in case of an emergency. If need be, take some time to drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Greet With Confidence

First impressions count. Greet your interviewer standing, with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a smile. Try to find out the name of the interviewer or the interview panel in advance. This will help you to address them correctly and make a positive impression.

Stay Calm
During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention. Remember that both you and the interviewer want a successful outcome from the interview.

Show What You Know
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.

Positive Last Impression

Close the interview with a handshake, a smile and a genuine thank you. A brief, friendly email thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration is often viewed positively. Restating your enthusiasm for the role could be a deciding factor as to whether you are offered the job.