Interviews can sometimes be really difficult and stressful, even to those who have gone through them several times. But interviews, however complicated they may be, can be the start of something very worthwhile for your career. You probably only have one shot at the opportunity, so why not put your best foot forward? It’s your chance to prove yourself to the interviewer, and you should come fully prepared.Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re about to go to a job interview:

• Collect information. Confirm the time, date and location of the interview, what you should bring and the name of interviewer. If you already have a prior engagement, politely reschedule. And don’t forget to ask for their contact details.
• Prepare your resume. Make sure the information is complete: contact details, work experience (name of company, dates covered, designation, responsibilities and achievements), trainings, affiliations, and educational attainment. There’s no need to make your resume too fancy. Just make it simple, presentable and complete. Bring at least 2 copies of your resume and don’t forget your business card.
• Prepare for the interview. Use the Internet and do your own research. Visit the website and know the business. Also, try to know more about the interviewer (search LinkedIn.com or Facebook). Knowing what the organization is all about shows that you are prepared; knowing the interviewer’s background will definitely impress him or her.
• Wear the proper attire. Some companies have very formal work setting while others have a more casual environment. Wear what’s appropriate. If in doubt, you can never go wrong with corporate attire.
• Be on time. Be there half an hour before the agreed time. It would be good to have a feel of the place first before the interview; it relaxes you and makes you feel prepared. If something happens that will cause you to be late, call. You do have their contact details, right?
• Introduce yourself properly. Shake the interviewer’s hand. I personally don’t mind about the shaking of hands, but for some interviewers, it tells them if a person is professional or not.
• Preparation is key. If you are prepared then you will be confident. Try not to be too nervous. Most questions will be about you anyway. Think about some of the standard interview questions and have a prepared answer for each.
• Be enthusiastic. Smile. It will relieve some of the tension between you and the interviewer. The best interviews have a give and take atmosphere. Ask questions and try to draw out information from your interviewer rather than talking about yourself nonstop. When it comes to interviews, sometimes less is more. A general rule is you should speak one-third of the time and definitely no more than half of the time. When it is your turn to speak, do not hesitate to talk about yourself.
• Sell yourself. Talk about specific achievements. Interviewers like to know how you felt about a particular success. Give specific examples. Tell the interviewer about specific problems and how you solved them, how you learned and improved. Try to relate what you know when being asked questions so they can see that you are a match. Focus on your strengths and how the company can capitalize on it.
• Be honest. Carefully describe the reasons for leaving your previous company. Provide references to support your reasons for leaving. Stay with the facts, but you don’t need to go through all the details.
• Follow up. After the interview, send an email thank you letter. This is also a good follow-up on your application and it will again show that you are really interested.

I’m hoping these tips will alleviate anxiousness on your job interviews. These tips are not a sure way to land a job, but doing your homework and being prepared will surely help. In the end, it all comes down to experience and personality. Happy job hunting!

Mike Joseph G. Macapagal
Senior Recruitment Specialist