10 tips before and during an interview.

#Tip 1: Appearance Before an interview, or before you leave your house for that matter, give a great deal of concentration on your looks. You need to give the impression that you are sophisticated. For both male and females, a nice pair of slacks are suitable. Track pants, flip flops, hoodies; clothing like these make you seem uninterested or lazy. Go past your local hair dressing salon, and treat yourself to a nice cut. NO MOHAWKS! Don’t arrive at the interview with piercings and your tattoo’s showing. It gives a bad impression, and isn’t so formal. Dress up, and have a bit of fun with it. But nothing too crazy.

#Tip 2: Research It’s always a good idea to immerse yourself in a bit of information about the company your about to be interviewed for. Could you imagine how professional, and most of all smart you would look in front of an interviewer, when you start busting out a whole lot of knowledge about their industry? You would appear to be a saint. Big deal if you have to do a bit of homework in your own time: If it means a greater chance of you getting a job, then you must put on your brave face. Figure out the history of the company, what kind of products they deal with. Find out who there suppliers are, where the head office located, what are it’s short term and long term goals and what training programs are offered. All this information not only gives you a better outlook, but also benefits you in the long run.

#Tip 3: Prepare for interview questions Prepare for your interview questions by going over certain topics you know will be covered throughout the interview. Go through your work experience, academic history, skills and abilities, knowledge of the organisation, career goals and objectives, and accomplishments and achievements. This is when your port folio comes in handy. Most of your interview questions may revolve around your past experiences, and things that may be list in your resume. Port folio’s and resumes are especially important to bring to a job interview.

#Tip 4: Mirror time Rehearsing in front of the mirror may sound stupid, but preparing yourself this way will boost your confidence. Seeing your reflection can help you understand what you could be working on. Posture, for example. If your shoulders are slumped and your back arched, you are going to give the interviewer the impression that you are uninterested. You need to sit up, shoulders straight but make sure you don’t seem too stiff or else you will appear uncomfortable. When you begin talking, be attentive to the way your body moves. Don’t be shaking your leg nervously, or fidgeting around impatiently. Relax. If you need to move around to calm you down, make small hand gestures while you talk, as it also gives emphasis on what your saying. When your talking in front of the mirror, keep your eyes on your reflection, and practise talking with a smile. Eye contact and body language are essential in an interview, so doing this will give you a sense of assertion.

#Tip 5: BE PUNCTUAL! Punctuality is severely important! If you are even two minute late to an interview, it leaves a bad impression. It’s always healthy to arrive at least 15 – 20 minutes before an interview, to prepare yourself and calm your nerves, and to also read over your notes you may have written beforehand. If you are running late or you are unable to make it to the interview, call up the company and let them know what’s going on. That way, you have saved them a great deal of time, and they may be able to reschedule another interview for you…depending on what your excuse is

#Tip 6:Make your entrance Before you say your first word, the interviewer will make a judgment about you. There are a few key things that they will be looking for, including: a genuine smile, a firm handshake, a confident demeanour, good eye contact, and a friendly, enthusiastic introduction. They'll notice instantly whether your hair is clean and neat, whether or not your attire is appropriate, whether or not your breath is fresh, and if your hands and fingernails are clean. Remember your manners. Be polite, and introduce yourself with pride. If your interviewer’s see that you are a bubbly and eager person they will definitely take interest in you at first sight.

#Tip 7: Listen It’s crucial to listen to every word your employer is saying to you. Don’t let the nerves get the better of you, or else your mind will wonder to little things like ‘how do I look to them’ or ‘what should I eat for dinner tonight.’ When your paying attention, you will be able to form an appropriate reply or answer. Listening gives you a chance to actually think about what’s going to come out of your mouth next. Give yourself time. Rushing breeds panic, and normally things like stuttering or mumbling begins to happen in your state of anxiety.

#Tip 8: Speech Speak clearly and enthusiastically when you are verbal with all your answers. Your employer will be interested if you show a passion in your words. Be articulate, and leave all your trash talk at home.

#Tip 9: Keep on topic Don’t stray off topic. If you find yourself talking about something unrelated to the question, subtly guide yourself back on track. This is where your research and listening comes in; your research will more than likely help you answer questions.

#Tip 10: FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT! “How are you?” Says your interviewer. “Oh really bad actually,” you reply. NO! There are some situations that are definitely necessary to fake your way out of. Don’t talk about how you didn’t get along with the other employees at your last job. Don’t complain about how you were underpaid recently. It’s just not worth the shot, and your employer is just going to think you will protest any matter. Be positive, and make them believe what you are saying. Convince your interviewers that you get along well with others and that you can adjust to any social environment. A happy and enthusiastic attitude is an infectious energies so use it to your advantage.