Attending a job interview can be a nerve-racking experience, so it is important to make sure that you are well prepared for the event beforehand. Good planning and preparation will help boost your self-confidence and make you feel more relaxed about the interview process. Getting to the interview stage is obviously half the battle when applying for a new job, but there is still plenty of hard work to do once you get into the interview room. Consider the following points carefully:

1. Do your homework - it is important to do some research about the company to find out exactly what they do and who their customers are. It may also be a good idea to dig a little deeper, as you may find out some unusual facts about the company that could assist you during the interview. 

2. Be punctual - try to arrive at your interview location about 15 minutes before your appointment. If you aren't sure exactly where the place is, do a dry run a few days before and work out an approximate journey time. On the day of the interview, it may also be a good idea to take some reading material with you incase you need to occupy yourself for any period of time.

3. Dress appropriately - unless the interviewer states otherwise, you should always dress well for an interview. Clothing plays a major role in the interview process and it is obviously important to make a good first impression with your future employers.

4. Remember your resume and portfolio - you can't always rely on the interviewer to have a copy of your resume in front of them. They may also want to see some samples of your work, and you will create  very good impression if you have all these things ready for the interviewer to read.

5. Make notes - having a pen and paper handy at a job interview is always a good idea in case you need to jot down any relevant information. It is also useful to be able to make a note of any questions you want to ask before you go in an for your interview, as nerves can have a nasty habit of making people forget things.

6. Ask questions - interviewers tend to gauge your interest in their company by the sort of question you ask. It is a good idea to prepare a few good question in advance so that you don't have to sit there trying to think of something to say on the spot. It is also critical to remember that if you are asked any question you don't understand, you should ask for simply clarification. If you you're not sure on an answer, just admit that you don't know… the is much preferred over misspeaking. 

7. Try to relax and appear confident - even though it isn't always easy, you should try to relax and look as confident as possible. If you do get nervous at interviews, try to look at the process as an adventure rather than a chore. Remember that every interview you go to will give you experience, even if you don't get the job.

8. Adopt a friendly approach - it is important to smile and be friendly during the interview, as this will help to establish a good first impression and rapport with the team.

9. Maintain good eye contact and body language - always make sure that you keep looking at the interviewer during the interview, as looking around the room can make you appear disinterested and inattentive. Practice good body language, as this says a lot about how you carry yourself and what you're feeling.

10. Use a firm handshake - a firm handshake can leave a lasting impression, and studies have shown that a strong handshake can set the tone for the rest of the interview. 

Remember to speak slowly and clearly during the interview; people often get nervous and speak much more quickly under pressure. If you smoke, don't smoke before the interview because the smell of smoke can linger for quite some time. Coffee is best avoided as well, as this can cause bad breathe and increase feelings of nervousness. You should always aim to perform at your very best during an interview, as you won't get a second chance to make a good first impression!

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last time modified: Jan. 16, 2012, 4:44 a.m.