Interviewing Tips

Pointers to get you started on a successful interview:

　　1. Relax!: It seems impossible but just concentrate on breathing deeply. The idea is to keep oxygen flowing to your brain so that you can remember all the reasons why you deserve this job. Deep breathing also prevents you from losing consciousness.
A display of nervousness may thwart your ability to negotiate the best deal and may even harm your chances of getting the job.
2. Be on time: Leave a few minutes for construction delays, traffic, and a pit stop. If your have never been to this building get specific directions, including where to park, which entrance to use and where to go once you get inside. Write the information down and drive over a day or two in advance so that you getting lost would not be a delay.
3. Get the correct pronunciation of your interviewer's name: Get the information when you ask for directions and if the name is hard to pronounce practice on it.
4. Know your interviewer's title and use it until you are asked to do otherwise: Do not call your interviewer by their first name until you've been informed by your host that you can drop the titles and surnames.
5. Bring a folder with a few clean copies of your résumé, some paper to write on, a good fountain pen with quick drying ink and a tissue or two: A leather portfolio adds a nice touch but avoid bringing too much luggage.
6. Be polite to the receptionist, security guard, or whomever else may be helping you, and be patient while waiting on your interviewer: It is important to make a good impression with the people that might end up being your co-workers.
On the other hand, you don't want to be overly friendly. Take your cue from the employee, if he strikes up a conversation, go with it. But if he seems busy, don't bother him.
7. Don't chew gum, smoke, eat, or drink on company premises unless refreshments are offered: Avoid taking even a bottle of water.
-During the Interview-
1. Start with a smile and firm handshake-obviously!
2. Stand up when your interviewer approaches.
3. Greet him by name, look him in the eye, and thank him for this opportunity.
4. Give the interview your full attention: Minimize possible distractions by turning off pagers, cell phones, watches, and other beeping gadgets.
5. Be as specific as possible in answering the interviewer's questions: It is always better to get get the possible questions in advance (with the help of available resources) in order to get prepared for the interview. Try to use your own experiences whenever possible and always give yourself time to think before you speak.
6. Add other comments and ask questions at the end of the interview: Avoid asking questions that can easily be answered through a Web site or annual report-if you ask them the interviewer may conclude that you didn't take the time to research the company.