Research the Employer before a Job Interview

Gather as much information about the employer as you can. Not only will you appear informed and intelligent, it will also help you make a decision if the employer eventually makes a job offer or if you want to work with that employer. Gathering employer information is an easy task. Look for the company website, search for news about the company, and ask others if they know anyone working in the company and collect details.


Learn About Yourself before a Job Interview

In order to effectively answer questions on a job interview, you have to know a lot about yourself and know how to present that information to an interviewer. What type of person you are and what can you do to the employer. Be prepared to answer about your Strength and Weakness.

Remember to showcase your weakness as a plus to the employer. Example - You are workaholic or until you are completed with the given tasks you won't rest and so this may affect your personal time or health. But still you give importance to work.


Practice Some More

Rehearse, not exactly what you will say, but how you will say it. Many people find it helpful to practice answering questions in front of a mirror. Study your posture, the way you make eye contact, and your body language. Have a friend do mock job interviews with you. The more you repeat a scenario, the more comfortable you will begin to feel with it.

When answering questions, speak slowly and clearly. Pause slightly before you answer a question. Your answers will seem less rehearsed and it will give you a chance to collect your thoughts. Keep in mind that a very brief pause may seem like an eternity to you. It's not. Prepare answers to some basic questions.


Dressing For a Job Interview

Appearance counts whether we like it or not. It's the first thing people notice about us.
Dress appropriately for your line of work.

Good grooming is essential. Your hair should be neat and stylish. Your nails should be well manicured and clean. Men's nails should be short. Women's nails should be of a reasonable length and polished in a neutral color. Women shouldn't be heavily made up. Avoid perfume or cologne since people find certain scents offensive.


Establish Rapport on a Job Interview

Your resume tells a prospective employer about the skills you will bring to his or her company. Now the interviewer must make sure you are a good fit for the job. Will your personality mesh well with his or her other employers? Will he or she like working with you? You obviously want the interviewer to relate well to you. You must establish rapport with him or her. Doing that begins the moment you walk in the door. Let the interviewer set the tone. For example, wait for him or her to extend his hand for a handshake, but be ready to offer your hand immediately. Sit down when the interviewer asks you to and do not forget to say thank you. Finally say it was your pleasure to get an opportunity to meet him or her to discuss on the job.


Body Language

Body language gives more away about you than what you say. Making eye contact is very important but make sure it looks natural. A smiling, relaxed face is very inviting. Hands resting casually in your lap rather than arms folded across your chest also is more inviting. If you normally move your hands around a lot when you speak, tone it down some. Do not be stiff or nervous.


Asking Questions

The interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions. You should have some ready. Ask about a typical day on the job or special projects you would be involved in. Also ask questions that will help you learn more about the employer and will let the interviewer know you are interested in working there. Use what you learned about the company through your research as a stepping off point. Don't ask about salary, benefits, or vacations, as those all imply "what will the employer, do for me?"


Compensation & Benefits

The interviewer may ask you what kind of salary you are looking for, so prepare to answer this question. Find out what typical salaries are in your field. Always give a range, not an exact number. And say you leave it to company's standard.


Post-Interview Follow up

Within 24 hours of going on a job interview, send a thank you note to follow up. This is your chance to go over something you mentioned on the interview or bring up something you forgot to mention in the interview.
Waiting to hear back from an employer after a job interview can be painful. Generally, wait for couple of days a week after your interview before you call. However, if the employer told you when you could expect to hear something, don't call until that date.