20 Job Interview Success Tips

1. Get references and letters of recommendation. Think of three to six professional
associates (i.e., co-workers, former bosses) who you believe will give you a good
recommendation. Then ask their permission to use them as references. If they say yes, get their correct title, work address and work phone number. You could also ask them to take the time to write out a general letter of recommendation for future use.
Days before
2. Research the company. Even before applying, learn all you can about this particular organization and the field. The interviewer will expect you to know something about the work you want to be doing, and about the place where you want to be doing it. It also shows you care -- which does count for something.

3. Identify your key skills and accomplishments. Make a list and be ready to describe
your personal and professional strengths, your transferable skills and your relevant accomplishments. With your research, you have been able to identify qualities that the company values. Come up with a few personal anecdotes that illustrate your possession of those qualities.

4. Practice the interview.Practice makes perfect, and it will give you confidence and
a sense of ease when you're truly in the hot seat at an interview.
5. Check clothing. Make sure your suit is clean, shirt ironed, and shoes polished. Now's your chance to check whether your best outfit needs to go to the cleaners or a seamstress for repairs. If you're going to borrow any clothing from a friend or buy a
new pair of shoes, do it ahead of time so that you can be sure everything fits well.

6. Test drive. If you are unsure of the location of the interview, drive there. This way you can be sure of the building, the time to get there and any parking difficulties.Day before
7. Call to reconfirm. when you first make an appointment for an interview that you ask the name of the secretary or receptionist. Then when you call back to reconfirm you can refer to them by name.

8. Prepare clothes. "Check head to toe what you're going to be wearing." Also, gather
all the things you'll be bringing to the interview: an extra copy of your resume,
references, a portfolio, a pad of paper, a pen.

9. Watch the weather. "If the weather's going to be bad, be prepared,"

10.Get a good night's sleep. It's a big day -- you'll want to be fresh and alert.

Day of interview
11.Work it off. Exercising earlier in the day if possible, to get your blood flowing
and to release stress.

12.Get to the interview on time. Arrive 10 minutes early even. No excuses.

13.Last-minute check. Take a look in your car mirror or in a bathroom mirror at a
location near interview. Fix your lipstick, pull loose hairs off the shoulder of
your jacket, make sure your shirt is properly tucked in and straighten your tie.
Now smile.

Waiting
14.Look confident and busy. More than likely you'll end up in a waiting room for at
least a few minutes. Don't get sloppy -- you are already on. When the interviewer
walks in, be ready to shake hands. "Remember, purses and briefcases in left hand.

During
15. Pay attention. After all your preparation, the interview will be a snap, Since
you prepared, it won't be nearly as much of a struggle -- but it is vital that
you listen to the interviewer.

16. Relax. If you're nervous "When you sit, keep your palms up” This lowers your
blood pressure and air dries the palms."

Right after
17. Write it down. On a pad of paper in your car, write down your impressions of the
company and the interview, and the names of your potential co-workers . If you're
called for another interview, you can review what was discussed at the first one,
thus preparing even better for the second

Day after
18. Send thank you note. Thank the interviewer(s) for taking the time to meet with you.
This is a polite gesture -- and a subtle reminder to them of you.

Week after
19. Make follow-up call. If you haven't heard from the company and you are still
interested in the job, make a quick call to the person who interviewed you or
the Human Resources department. See if they are closer to making a decision and
when you might expect to hear from them. Go ahead and tell them how excited you
are about the prospect of working there.

Weeks after
20. Be patient. You might hear about the job right away. More likely, the company
will take some time to interview candidates and then review them. If you got
good vibes from the interview or the follow-up call, just be patient.

But don't quit your job search, just because you found what you think will be your
dream job.It might not work out, and waiting before applying somewhere else is
going to drag out your job search. While some companies won't call or write you
when the job is filled -- which is irritating as hell -- others may just be taking
their time.

A job interview that does not result in a job need not be a failure. You can learn from
the experience, improving your presentation and concentration for the next time.