FACING THE JOB INTERVIEW WITH CONFIDENCE:

When you enter the Chamber, your interview gets started. Your first impressions count a lot, especially when applying for a new job. You should be ready to face an expected things even with confidence, courage and joy.

The entire process can be divided in to 3 Important parts:

The preparation:

Don’t enter to face any situation without getting prepared for it ! Hence, getting acquainted with the possible job requirements, company credentials, questions likely to be asked, and lot more to be rehearsed….
Practice yourself in front of the mirror
Observe your tones, expressions, body movements. Look in the mirror while talking and answering questions you think will come your way. Pay close attention to your hand gestures, legs positions, face movements other nervous behavior like constantly touching your face. You can also practice with a friend

or someone, who may express your body movements, while you were talking.
Record your voice
Make an audio tape of your voice, while preparing your answers to a typical/likely questions. Just listen to it, adjust your speech if you speak bit loudly or too slowly. Your voice should be audible enough to a hiring manager/interviewer. Practice will make you more confident about your speech and approach.

Research about the company, its products/services
Lot many resources are available, thanks to an e-age/ e-commerce. You may collect lot many details about the company by referring company name in Google, Yahoo search. Know about company- its existence, its founders/promoters, its performance, its presence in country(ies) , states, etc..

The position, you are about to face an interview must be pertain to certain products/services offered. Study thoroughly ,its features, benefits, channels of distributions, etc.

Know about competitors too..
Analyse, whether they are one of the prominent players. Which are the other companies offering similar products and service. Getting acquainted with its industry and competitors is crucial to identify company’s position and share in the market. Explore its achievements and speak about it, adding it at right place of your discussion, while answering questions. That will certainly provide you an edge.

Locate the place 1 day before, identify parking lots too.

It is important to know how long it takes to reach at the interview place. Find out the office's exact location see if any streets are closed off due to construction, and plan accordingly. The key here is to make sure you don't arrive late.

These tips are to make you comfortable while you face the actual situations.

the presentation

Offer a firm handshake
Proper etiquette dictates that you offer your right hand when you first meet someone. This is especially important with the person that might be signing your paychecks. Don't give a wimpy handshake; rather, have a firm grip with an even squeeze.

Tip: If you tend to get sweaty palms when you're nervous, carry a tissue in your pocket and wipe your palm immediately before the interview.

Dress appropriately
If you're applying for a management position, then a suit and tie is de rigueur. Based on the aforementioned tip, when you visit the office the day before, observe how employees are dressed if you have the opportunity, and apply it to your dress code. On a side note, don't wear too much cologne because the interviewer might be allergic to the smell or just plain turned off by it.

Tip: Although overdressing is a no-no, underdressing can hinder your chances of getting hired (it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed). Wear a blazer and remove it if you feel the need.

During the interview, and the perfect follow-up...

more on presentation

Don't volunteer information
The idea is to answer questions with an adequate response, not to elaborate more than necessary. By saying only what needs to be said, you'll lower your chances of saying something you might regret.

Don't badmouth old employers
Talking negatively about your old boss' work ethic, for example, will make this employer foresee the possibility of your badmouthing him. Remember that you should choose your words carefully and stray from touchy situations.

Establish a rapport
Although you should remain professional, you can still throw in some casual comments about playing golf, for example. If you notice a picture of the interviewer's wife and dog, incorporate it into the conversation or ask him what his dog's name is. Stay away from blonde jokes and the like, and remember that you're still applying for a job. Don't get too comfortable.

Speak slowly
Take the time to explain your thoughts clearly. You have to understand that your thought process often works faster than your verbal delivery. In other words, you might be trying to say too much, too fast. Slow down and pace yourself.

Maintain your posture
Sit up straight and never slouch. Your posture ultimately reflects your attitude. If you're the type who sits sideways, then make a conscious effort to sit straight for this interview.

Now that you've aced the interview and made a good impression, make sure to leave on a good note and give the interviewer an incentive to call you back.

the follow-up

Offer a firm handshake: Part 2
Once the interviewer asks if you have any concluding questions, wait for him to get up and walk you to the door. In your last moment together, shake his hand and thank him for the opportunity to speak with him regarding the position.

Be professional and look him straight in the eye when thanking him. Use his name; don't just say Sir or Miss. Once again, use the tissue in your pocket to dry your sweaty palm, if necessary.

Send a thank-you note
A couple of days after the job interview, send an e-mail or letter thanking the interviewer for meeting with you. This demonstrates your interest in the position, and ensures that your name will stay on the employer's mind when he's cutting through the fat among the list of applicants.

In the note, simply extend your thanks and let him know that you look forward to hearing from him again. Don't be pushy; rather, show active interest in the position. Remember, the employer wants to see that you really want -- and deserve -- the position.

career tip of the "week"

Despite all the tips you can get on nailing a job interview, just remember to be yourself and never put on an act; the interviewer will ultimately see through any facade.

Take a deep breath, hold your head up high, and be confident about getting the job you deserve.