Interview Tips

The best interviews have a give and take atmosphere. To do this, you need to ask questions and try to draw out your interviewer rather than talking about yourself nonstop. When it comes to talking during an interview, sometimes less is more. A general rule is you should speak one-third of the time and definitely no more than half of the time. When it is your turn to speak, do not hesitate to talk about yourself.

First Comes the Phone
Now a days telephone screening is becoming very common. So you need to be prepared for the phone to ring at any time. These screenings may be for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your answers and fit for the job. it is helpful if you have thought about questions likely to be asked during the screening and prepared your answers.

Take a spare photo and CV with you!
It may happen that the interviewer wants your resume and photo. Your interviewer won't be expecting it so you will impress them. It also helps them remember you after the interview. So always keep a spare photo and resume with you while going to interview.

Look Them in the Eyes
Eye contact is showing your confidence. Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you are viewed as lacking confidence or interest. So always answer the question with eye contact to interviewer.

Look Better, Feel Better
If you want to spruce up your appearance for the interview but can not afford new clothes, consider altering an outfit you already have by pairing it with a different shirt, tie, blouse or accessory. Even on a tight budget, you can find some real bargains out there. Think about what you need before you go out shopping. Outlet stores and resale shops offer some great treasures. For better or worse, looks can make a difference.
Talk about specific achievements!
Interviewers like to know how you felt about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you have done that you are particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.

Think of an Interview as a First Date
Instead of the Inquisition, think of a job interview as a first date: you are both trying to figure out if there is a match. This mindset proffers many advantages. You come off as curious, not desperate, you do not assume that too-formal, phony-appearing job-seeker persona, you talk about what you want to talk about instead of just passively getting bombarded with the employer's probes and you are more likely to ask questions during the interview. Those questions will help you assess if you really want the job. Treat the interview as a first date, and you will both be better informed when deciding whether you should hook up.

Bring Up a Weakness
In an interview, bring up a weakness before you are asked for one. For example, "I really need to work on my leadership skills. I am a good worker and totally competent, but sometimes I lack the confidence to stand up and take a leadership position."
This will help you a lot as you want to improve yourself.

Get the Info
Informational interviews are a great way to get leads and information regarding company. It is important that the person you contact understands you are seeking information not a job. Be prepared when you ask for an appointment to say what you are looking for and why you want to talk to this person. At the informational interview, have a prepared list of questions. At the end, ask if the person has any recommendations of others you could speak with.

Attitude Adjustment
It is difficult to remain upbeat in a tough job market. Isolating you and waiting for the phone to ring is the worst way to handle negative thoughts. When you start feeling down, take steps to turn your thinking around. Go for a walk, or do something fun. It may be just what you need to feel relaxed and at ease. Getting together with friends and having a support system will help you to laugh and keep going.

Explain Why You Left
Follow these guidelines when interviewers ask, "Why did you leave your company?" Carefully describe the reason for your departure, and do not go into details unless asked. Provide references to support your reasons for leaving and job performance. Stay with the facts of what happened, what you did, how you felt and what you learned. Then describe how you will handle things differently in the future.

Your References
For your reference list, you want three to five people and their contact information. Do not forget to get permission to use your references' names, and while you are at it, ask how they prefer to be contacted. You should also send them a copy of your resume so they will be aware of what you are saying about yourself.

The World's Toughest Job Interview Question
Great questions to ask early in a job interview: "What are you most hoping to find in the person you hire?" and "What would be my first priorities on the job?" The earlier you can ask these questions, the sooner you can start tailoring your answers to the employer's priorities. At the end of the interview, ask, "Based on what we've talked about today, I feel good about the position. Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?" Often, that gives you a chance to counter any objections.

Know What You Offer
Prepare answers for open-ended questions, like, "Tell me about yourself," by making a list of your skills and traits that match the employer's requirements. The closer your skills and traits are to the job description, the better chance you have of landing the job. You should leave the interviewer with a clear picture of what you have to offer.
·Prove What You Could Do
Always put a positive spin on your answers to difficult questions. If you lack a particular skill or do not know a certain computer program, be sure to emphasize how quickly you learn. Give an example of a time when you were able to get up to speed in a similar situation. Companies are interested in people who can hit the ground running.

Sell Yourself
Interviewing is about selling yourself. The product you are selling is you. Give them reasons to buy. Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company, department and position. Convince them that your product is better than the competition's

Talking Salary
Timing is everything in the interview. Let them bring up the subject of money. If you are asked what your salary expectations are too early in the process, just say you would rather postpone that discussion until you have more information about the position.