JOB INTERVIEW TIPS & PRACTICAL GUIDE
Before Attending Job Interview
In order to achieve a successful and productive job interview, whether you are interviewing with a government agency or with a private company, it is essential that you prepare yourself sufficiently prior to sitting down with your prospective employer. You will need to familiarize yourself with your prospective employer′s professional profile and the products and services they provide, as well as with the requirements and scope of the open position. The internet is a very useful tool that you may want to utilize to conduct the necessary research. You should expect questions regarding your anticipated role within the company and the ways in which you will be able to help the company grow and achieve its goals. You may also want prepare a list of questions you assume your interviewer will ask regarding your skills and abilities and practice answering them. Remember to always try to highlight your specific strengths and achievements when answering any question.

Prior to the interview, you will also need to prepare a well-written, professional resume as well as a typed page of references. Bring extra copies of both to the interview. Additionally, make sure that you are familiar with the location of the company. You may want to drive past it the day before the interview in order to ensure that you know exactly where it is and to make sure you aware of the time it will take to get there. It is extremely important to be punctual on the day of your interview; in fact, you may want to arrive a few minutes early. Any tardiness will be perceived as unprofessional and could count against you. If you are running late on the day of the interview, it is essential that you phone your contact at the company and explain the circumstances.

During Job Interview Session
Making a good first impression is very important! Failing to do so can negatively impact your application and even cost you the job. Remember to always behave politely and in a mannerly fashion, and don′t show any silent protest if you are made to wait. If you are required to fill out a job application form, do so neatly and accurately, without any exaggeration. Before you enter the interview room, make sure you switch off or switch to silent mode your cellular phone. Greet your interviewer by title, shake hands firmly, and wait until you are offered a chair to sit.

Always remember that no matter how good you believe your resume or qualifications to be, you must sell yourself to the interviewer. Keep in mind that your interviewer doesn′t know anything about you, and so you have to thoroughly explain your skills, accomplishments, and what you can do to help the company achieve success. Carefully listen to what the interviewer is asking before trying to formulate an appropriate answer. Try to demonstrate your confidence and motivation without overly answering the questions or speaking for too long. Try to communicate clearly and effectively; all companies look for employees who have strong verbal communication skills and who are able to interact well with all levels of people. Remember to make eye contact and try not to show any nervousness. Remember to not badmouth or give a negative opinion about your previous employers or any other parties. Be positive so that the interviewer will have a positive impression of you. When describing your past employment, make sure to mention any and all notable achievements, including what you did to improve the company′s operation or the ways in which you motivated other staff members to achieve company′s goals. Remember to describe any pertinent skills you may possess. Tell the interviewer what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you. Never ask about the benefits that company will provide to you such as salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc. until it has been confirmed that you have been chosen for the position. Most companies will ask you to state your expected salary, so try to prepare an appropriate answer.

Finally, don′t forget to thank the interviewer for spending his or her valuable time to meet with you. Leave the room silently and politely. You may want to follow up with a phone call or an e-mail a week after the interview to check upon the status of your application.

Dress Code
There is an old saying that goes, “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” It is extremely important that you dress professionally and conservatively for your interview. Men should wear a suit and tie and women should likewise, whether it be a pants or other suit. Make sure your clothing is pressed and clean, and that you do not reveal too much skin. Women should wear close-toed shoes. Keep your jewellery and other accessories to a minimum. Make sure that your hair has been trimmed recently and that it is nicely combed. Remember to shave, or to make sure any facial hair is also neatly groomed. And lastly, don′t be too overly zealous with your cologne or perfume!