This topic is written to help job seekers better prepare themselves to present their skills and abilities to their would be employer. It is also a guide to fresh graduates and those who have no prior interviewing experience. The interview is the time when you convince and impress your would be employer why they should employ YOU instead of another candidate. No matter how successful you may have been in reaching the decision makers or how well qualified you may be, the person who presents himself or herself best usually wins.

The majority of failures during interviews are due to lack of preparation, not lack of qualifications.
The potential employer would have shortlisted candidates that are suitable for the job before inviting those shortlisted to come for an interview. If you have been invited for an interview, your potential employer is already convinced that your abilities, experience or qualification meet their criteria. Your success in clinching the job will be based on the following factors:

a) The degree to which you demonstrate your knowledge about the company, it’s business and issues.
b) The degree to which you can positively enhance the company .
c) The degree to which you demonstrate your compatibility with future colleagues, to work as a team.
d) The degree to which you stand out from other qualified Candidates. What special abilities or quality you possess that other candidates do not.

Like many things in life, success in the interview depends on the quality of your preparation. If you have a thorough understanding of what interviewers are looking for and prepare appropriately, your odds of being selected are dramatically improved.

Company Information
Candidates should research a company thoroughly before an interview. There is no excuse that you cannot find any information. Nowadays, most companies have websites and you can glean a lot of information from them. Besides websites, candidates can also check out a company from various government sources. Finding a way to gather information on a company distinguishes the great candidates from the good candidates.

Be Concise
Do not ramble on continuously when asked a question. Listen carefully to the question, think and then answer precisely and concisely. Tell the truth in as positive a manner as possible, and don't discuss things or events in a negative fashion. Long answers are less effective than concise responses and tend to make interviewers suspicious.

Be Honest
If you don’t have the specific skill, don't try to cover it up by talking and giving examples that aren't relevant. It would be much better off saying you don't have that skill but perhaps you do have some related skills.

Keep Your Guard Up
There are generally two categories of interviewers, those who are very straight-laced and serious and those who are casual and friendly. When you encounter the first category types during the interview, it is best to be serious and formal about the interview process. To interviewers who tend to be more casual and friendly, you can be more relaxed and less serious, but not to the extent that you let your guard down. While you should be relaxed during the interview process, you must always be on your best behavior. Always maintain your professionalism.

Ask Great Questions
Nothing impresses interviewers more than a really good question that not only shows you've researched the company in general, but the specific job you're hoping to land as well.

Flexibility
Be flexible. If the interviewer can't meet you exactly at the time they were supposed to, do not insist on maintaining the time. Discuss and agree on a date suitable for both parties.

Give Examples
For each quality you present, make sure you're prepared to describe a situation where you demonstrated that quality. Basically, you always want to be able to back up any claims you might make. For example, if during the interview you say that you work well under pressure, be ready to describe an example where you did work effectively under pressure and delivered the results required.

PERSONAL PRESENTATION

Dressing
What you wear will make an impact on the interviewer’s first impression of you. It is crucial to dress appropriately. For men, formal office wear (long sleeves and slacks) is advisable. For women, coat and office dress is advisable. Do not wear jeans or T-shirt.

Be Punctual
Punctuality is a very important factor in making good first impression. Be there at least 15 minutes early for the interview. Being late tells the interviewer you’re either not interested in the job or you’re tardy. The worst mistake someone can make for an interview is being late.

Non Verbal Communication
As soon as you walk into the interview room you’re judged on your appearance, posture, smile and confidence. Non-verbal communication or signals (body language) tells the interviewer volumes about your character and disposition. The conversation you have with the interviewer should be more interactive. If you say you are excited about the prospect of working for this company but don't show any enthusiasm, your message will probably fall flat. By smiling, gesturing once in a while and showing some energy during the interview, you can make the experience more pleasurable for both sides. Besides, it breaks the ice. In addition to the enthusiasm it expresses to the interviewer, smiling will give you confidence and make you feel better about yourself. Don’t underestimate the power of a bright smile!

Nonverbal Dos and Don’ts
a. Handshake
Give a firm handshake but not to the extent of crushing the interviewer’s hand. Your hand should be dry and warm. A feeble and limp handshake is not a very good beginning.
b. Hands
Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural. Getting carried away with hand gestures can be distracting. Avoid touching your mouth while talking.
c. Eye Contact
Look the interviewer in the eye but don’t stare. Staring is perceived as aggressive. Occasionally, glance at the interviewer's hand as he is speaking. Do not constantly look around the room while you are talking, you convey a lack of confidence, disregard or discomfort with what is being discussed. Neither should you roll your eyes when asked questions.
d. Fidgeting
Playing with your hair, drumming the table, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body is a taboo during interviews. It is annoying and puts you in a negative light.
e. Posture
You should stand and sit erect and not slouch. You should also show some energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture makes you look tired, uncaring and unenthusiastic.