Amazingly useful tips to be successful in interviews.

source:from vartous sources

Groundwork

Know about the company:
Prior to attending the interview, you must do some research about the company, you have applied. Peruse through their annual reports, website and company brochures. You may also study about the company on job boards and recruiting sites.

Analyze yourself:
Mentally review the skills and character traits you have that will help the company's bottom line. Think in terms of the value you can add to the position and the company you intend to join.

Know your job history:
Review your past achievements mentally and be prepared to describe your work experience in detail. Put together samples of your achievements and some reference letters to be presented to the interviewer as a proof of your past accomplishments. Gather some good words to describe your experience in terms of responsibilities and accomplishments at each job.

Anticipate the questions:
Try to anticipate the general questions that will be asked. One general question that you will surely be asked is "Tell me about yourself." Approach this from the employer's point of view. Ask yourself, "If I were hiring someone for this position, what would I want to know?" Then answer those questions. Be ready for the tough questions too. Think of the worst questions you could be asked about your experience and abilities, then prepare positive responses.

Prepare your own questions:
Employers are as much interested in your questions as they are in your answers. Intelligent questions about the position, company and the industry will have a favorable reaction. (Ex: where does this position fit into the company as a whole? Is there any problem on this job with waste/accuracy/meeting quotas, etc.? What is the largest single problem facing your staff now?)

Visualize your interview:
And get the big picture of the interview. See yourself performing
A major share of your success in the interview depends on the impression you make in the first few minutes. To succeed, you must project a professional, competent and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company. Keep the following in mind:

Punctuality:
always try to arrive early at an interview. It is always better to arrive an hour early than arriving a few minutes late that leaves a bad impression.

Dress:
Your clothing should be appropriate for the position you're seeking. Attire must fit well within the office and be immaculate. If you don't know what the typical attire at the company is, call and ask! Shoes should be polished; pants/skirts and shirts pressed.

Here are a few tips for dressing to an interview:

Men

* Conservative plain suit
* Dark color - blue, dark gray, brown
* White or light colored shirt, long sleeves (buttoned down)
* Plain tie - no Mickey Mouse caricatures - tied in a large centralized knot
* Dark socks
* Smart conservative shoes - black or brown
* Portfolio case or Briefcase



Women

* Conservative plain suit - dress or trouser
* Dark colour - blue, dark gray, brown
* Coordinated blouse.
* Low-to-medium heeled conservative shoes
* Tan or light colored hosiery
* Portfolio case or Briefcase



Grooming:
Clean hair and fingernails are essential. Hair should be styled conservatively. Avoid excessive makeup, jewelry or cologne.

Men

* Conservative hairstyle - well kept
* Minimal jewelry
* Minimal aftershave
* Clean, neatly trimmed fingernails
* Freshly bathed - using deodorant
* Clean teeth and fresh breath


Women

* Neat, professional hairstyle
* Minimal jewelry
* Minimal makeup and perfume
* Manicured nails
* Freshly bathed - using deodorant
* Clean teeth and fresh breath



Body language:
The key to success is to work your body in tune with your mouth; positive movements should support positive comments. But how do you make kinesics work for you?

Greetings:
When you first step into the interview room all the attention will be naturally on your face and it is the key point when the interviewer forms an impression about you. So give positive expressions.

Eye contact:
Try to establish an eye contact as early as possible .if you try to avoid eye contact the interviewer may perceive that you are hiding some thing or an element of untrustworthiness.

Face:
Raise your eyebrows slightly upon meeting to draw attention. Your facial expressions can tell many stories. Enter the room with a relaxed smile, this will give a perception of openness and a friendly attitude, and will but both the parties at ease. A tight face or a tensed smile will indicate the inability to handle stress. Frowning will be interpreted as arrogance, while pursed lips indicate secretiveness.

Handshake:
A firm handshake is appropriate and projects confidence. Make eye contact when you shake.

Tips for a perfect handshake
Assure your hands are clean and dry, free of perspiration.

Wait for the interviewer to offer his/her hand. Don't initiate the handshake, this portrays dominance, if you have already initiated don't pull back as it can be perceived as indecisiveness.

When invited for a handshake, offer your hand with your palm to the vertical. Offering your hand with your palm facing down in the handshake portrays submissiveness whereas offering your hand with your palm face coming up in the handshake portrays dominance.

Your handshake should be firm. A limp handshake portrays weakness and lack of confidence, at the same time crushing the interviewers hands portrays dominance.

The handshake last for not more than 3-5 seconds, with a maximum of 6 pumps.

Seating:
Always wait for the interviewer to offer you a seat, if not offered ask. Sitting before the interviewer offers you the seat can give very bad impression overconfidence/arrogance or nervousness.