An interview is the most important element in the job search process. When an employer calls you for an interview it means that he/she is interested in having you on board. Interviews can be regarded as a very professional conversation in which you are provided a limited time in which you have to understand the needs of the employer and discuss the way in which you can fulfill those.

The interview is more than just showcasing your merits and skills it requires you to show you potential your confidence, your background, and the ability to do the task assigned to you and most importantly show the employer that you can fit into his company culture.

After your cover letter and resume, the interview is your best opportunity to wow the employer-regardless of your background and experience. The best way is to prepare a selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to potential interview questions, well-researched questions about the organization, and an effective strategy to market yourself. Also consider your career goals and what the available job offers so that you can discuss both of these topics with employers. Interviewing is a skill that improves and becomes easier with practice.

Any interview period can be separated into three parts with each of the parts requiring special planning. These parts are:-

• Before The Interview

The day before the interview you need to work on different aspects and conduct some personal research to present yourself in a more enthusiastic way. You should:

• Research about the Organization: Before going on for the interview always try to find out as much information and data about the company as you can. Go to the company and try to learn more about the company from its employees. You cannot change the employment history or your qualifications but you can work harder than the other applicants by being knowledgeable about the company.
• Think of some questions that you could ask the interviewer which will give the impression that you are interested in the job. The questions that reflect your interest in future prospects such as What are the chances of professional growth in the company etc.
• Practice with some of your friends who are going for the interview as this will help you build confidence and help you structure your interview. Practice giving concise, complete answers and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer(s) while you give them. Make sure you aren’t speaking too slow or too fast and that your answers are stated with confidence.
• Try to figure out and anticipate some of the questions that probably interviewers ask every interviewee. It’s best to prepare for a wide variety of questions by thinking about your own career goals, long-term plans, past successes, and work strengths, but you should also brace yourself for the deceptively simple questions that most employers like to throw at their interviewees.
• On The Day of Interview
• Dress suitably in formals in the same way as you would dress up for the job itself. Your clothes should be in subdued colors such as blue-black etc. Avoid using aftershave lotions and perfumes.
• Shape yourself in the best way possible so that you appear fresh and healthy. Try arriving 15 20 minutes before the scheduled time. Have a complete rest the night before the interview so that you may not look exhausted. Bring an extra copy of your resume with you in case you may need it.
• Make contact with everyone present during the interview because you never know who has conducted the interview. Look everyone in the eye and smile. Speak clearly and use please and thank you. Talk audibly and also at the same time be polite.
• Always try and be honest. Many people think that an interview is a perfect time to embellish. While you want to structure your answers so that your best, most qualified aspects take center stage, you don’t want to deceive or an outright lie. Companies do perform background checks, and lying about your experience is simply not worth it.
• Try to be precise and short in your answers. Stick to what you know well and keep things short and sweet. Also never use slangs or off-color humor as you never know when someone might take offense, its best not to risk it.
• Try to come up as a genuinely likable person as you can. Try to tone down your weaknesses and try to be personable. Being personable is about getting the interviewer’s emotional side to like you and believe in you. Employers don’t always hire the candidates most qualified for the job, but rather the candidates they like the best.

3. 3. After The Interview
   4. Shake hands with the interviewer and exchange pleasantries even if you think you have bombed the interview.
   5. Send a thank you letter to your interviewer or liaison.
   6. Follow up with the interviewer at the appropriate time.

Most employers do not hire people based on merit alone. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the selection process.