The continuous rise of unemployment in our country implies a growth in competition when it comes to seeking jobs. A job interview is perhaps the most important part of seeking jobs. The right credentials and a good resume are the tools which can land someone an interview in his dream company but it’s in the interview that a candidate has to convince the employer that he is the perfect person for the job.

The following tips will be beneficial for any candidate preparing for an interview:

• Research: It’s important to research the company and the position for which the application is made before going for an interview. The most frequent questions asked in an interview are What do you know about this company? Or Why do you want to work in this position? One can search about the company on the internet; look up their annual reports, competitors, history, management, etc. The knowledge also helps in tackling the other questions better.
• Preparation: The nervousness about an interview lessens considerably by practicing probable interview questions by oneself or asking someone else to help. Also, the interview attire should be decided beforehand and it must be neat, tidy and proper for the particular job and the company.
• Punctuality: Punctuality is considered to be one of the most prominent qualities which describes the sincerity and the attitude of a person. Hence it is advisable to arrive fifteen-twenty minutes earlier than the scheduled time, which also helps in calming the nerves of the candidate. Also, it’s an advantage if the interview is scheduled in the morning as the later it is, the more nervous one can get.
• The first impression: The phrase first impression is the last impression holds true for every job interview. So it is of utmost importance to give a positive impression of one even before the interview starts. The attitude of the candidate as he walks in, the confidence in his stride, the way he greets the employer, the body language as the interview starts, everything is instrumental in creating a good first impression upon the employer.
• Positivity and calmness: Complaining about previous employers or company implies a negative attitude of the candidate and gives an impression of irresponsibility and disloyalty. These should be avoided at any cost. Also, sharing personal problems or complaining about the economy of the state or country is not advisable. A candidate needs to stay calm and composed while answering the questions. He can take some time before answering questions which seem tough to him. This helps him to compose an answer in his mind before speaking out and thus, he responds more effectively.
• Key questions: There are some key questions which are usually asked in most interviews like What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you think we should hire you? Why did you leave your last job? and others. The list of the common questions asked in an interview is easily available on internet and a candidate should be prepared for these questions beforehand.
• Asking questions: The candidate should come prepared with some of his own questions which will demonstrate his interest in the job and the company. Asking the right questions strategically also manifests the intelligence, analytical skills, research and assertiveness of the candidate and can be instrumental in impressing the employer.

Follow-up: The most overlooked step of an interview is following up after an interview. Immediately after the completion of an interview, one should sit down and write all the questions that were asked or as many as he can remember and then try to evaluate his answers to those questions. This gives him an idea about his performance. The next day, a note of thanks can be sent to the employers for granting him the interview. During the interview, it’s advisable to ask the employers about the commencement of the hiring process so that after the expected time has passed, he can call and inquire. Sometimes the hiring process can take longer than expected but the phone call can emphasize the candidate’s interest in the job.