Facing the interview is a very difficult proposition for anybody – most people are nervous when attending an interview. Here are a few tips to help you feel and appear confident and avoid common mistakes...

Prepare for the interview  

• Dress appropriately in simple, comfortable clothes that reflect your personality.

• Avoid wearing new shoes (squeaking noises) and do practice wearing your tie.

• Be punctual – don’t be late or even too early.

• Read up about the company, what business they are into, growth trends, diversification etc

• Read your own resume - be sure that you don’t have to look into your resume to recall details during the interview.

• Carry extra copies of your resume and testimonials – you never know when you may need them.

• Make sure you know the full name and designation of the person interviewing you.

• Keep your references ready

• Remember to make a note of your previous or current salary with all its components.

• Make a good first impression.

• Wish the interviewer(s) cheerfully and with a smile.

• A firm handshake is an indicator of how you are feeling. If you are a lady, then some male employers might not make the first move, but go ahead and initiate the handshake.

• Wait till you are asked to sit down.

• Look the person in the eye.

• Do not appear too nervous or overconfident. Your body language usually conveys more than what you are saying. Don't slouch or lean forward too much.

• Try to curb nervous mannerisms eg. fidgeting or biting your finger].

• Appear comfortable, confident and interested in securing the job.

During the interview...

• Start the interview with a pleasant smile.

• Always remember to give a firm handshake. If there are women in your interview panel, wait for the other person to extend the hand while shaking hands.

• Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying.

• Stress on what you can contribute to the organisation.

• Remember that the employer is in control of the interview.

• Don’t be too long-winded – say what you want to convey in crisp sentences and use terms that would convey your job & achievements.

• Complete your sentences - don’t answer just yes or no.

• What you don’t know can be learned – tell them if you don't know something. But give instances of how quick a learner you are.

• Do not boast. People on the other side are shrewd and can generally see through you. At the same time talk about achievements giving due credit to others.

• When talking about yourself and your aspirations, do not sound vague or do not say that you don't know something. You should be very clear and precise about what you want to do, where you

• want to go etc.

• If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification, don’t answer vaguely.

• Don’t talk about your personal problems, why you need the job etc.

• Don’t get personal – even if you know the interviewer personally.

• Don’t be overconfident or too nervous.

• Don’t badmouth your previous employer - you could do the same in the case of the prospective customer.

• Don’t complain about politics, a bad boss or a poor salary - your reasons for change should be higher responsibilities, location etc.

• If the interviewer is interrupted during the course of the interview, don’t pick up papers on his/her desk and read them.

• Don’t ask about salary before the offer is made.

• Strike a balance between what you actually are and what you want to be – don’t paint a picture of yourself as somebody who is not concerned about money, social status etc.

• Don’t be in a hurry to complete the interview.

The first step… responding to the interview call letter

The postman has just delivered your call letter for the interview. You are so excited and can hardly conceal your happiness that your hard work is finally going to pay off... but remember, this is the time to prepare for the interview. Without adequate preparation, the interview may not go as successfully as you want it to.

First, contact the organisation and confirm receipt of the call letter. Orally confirm your participation in the interview. You could get further details like directions to the venue, places for accommodation, whether travel costs will be borne by the organisation etc. Written confirmation through a letter expressing your interest and reconfirming your participation must be sent the same day itself. This is a good opportunity to get additional information on the organisation.

Some questions you may want to ask 

• What is the interview process? Is there a group discussion, written test etc?
• How long will the interview last?
• Will you be able to travel the same day or should you plan to travel the next day?
• Will you need to attend a second interview? If so, with whom? ( for outstation candidates )
• Make arrangements for transport and accommodation.
• Arrangements for rail, air or bus tickets should be made as early as possible, especially if long-distance travel is involved.
• Plan your schedule in such a way that you reach your destination an evening before the actual interview, so that you can rest and need not be fatigued before the interview.
• Keep your travel plans flexible - make provisions for delays at the airport or station.
• Select a place of accommodation that is not too far away from the interview venue.

Collect details on the organisation

•  You could get information from the company Web site
•  Try to network and get in touch with an employee of the organisation.
•  A copy of the balance sheet will provide additional information.
•  Try to get a copy of the induction booklet, which will give all details about the company.

Some information you may want to get  

•  When was the company established?
•  What is their core business?
•  Where are their offices?
•  Vision and mission statements.
•  History of their founder.
•  Market products and Market share.
•  Who are their competitors?
•  Any major projects being undertaken.
•  Some key employee profiles and how they have grown in the organisation.  

Plan out a schedule for preparation for the interview. There may be only a few days left for the interview. Plan out an interview preparation chart. Clearly write down the activities for each day. Most importantly, stick to the schedule.

Do not forget to say Thank You.

Once the Interview is over, its time to update your PR skills. Never underestimate the power of a thank you note in your job search campaign. So send one immediately.

Send thank you notes to the organisation, as they are a sign of courtesy. It acts as a memory aid by bringing your candidacy to the employers' mind once more.

The note can be handwritten. It should appear formal and professional. Use plain stationery. Your message should be legible and easy to read.

If you intend to use a thank-you card

Use cards of smaller size. Use cards that give you an option to write down your message rather than pre-printed cards. Avoid writing long messages.

Remember that thank-you notes must be sent immediately after the interview. It loses its meaning if it is sent late. Since it is such a powerful tool, send them to all those who helped you in a big or small way in your job search campaign.

Ask questions at the end of the interview – it could be about the company, the job or the next stage of the interview process. It will be an indicator of your interest in the position.

Send a thank-you letter – outlining your interest in the job and why you are qualified for it.

Be positive and confident - and the job is yours!