tips to get ready for job interview

Taking the time to practice answering the interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses and will help calm your nerves, because you won't be scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat.Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually in a job interview.Review common job interview question and answers and think about how you will respond so you are prepared to answer.

Don't wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don't have to think about what you're going to wear while you're scrambling to get ready for a job interview.Regardless of the type of job you're interviewing for, that first impression should be be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.If you're applyng for a job in a more casual environment, a store or restaurant, for example, it's still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer.

It's important to know what to bring to a job interview a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a list of questions ask the interviewer.It's also important what not to bring your cellphone, a cup of coffee, gum, or anything else other than yourself and your credentials.

Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly and enthusiastically.During the interview watch your body language - shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points.Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don't lean back or slump in your chair. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested.The more positive an impression you make, the better you'll do during the job interview. These job interview etiquette tips will help you make the best impression on the hiring manager.

It's important to know where you need to go for your job interview - ahead of time. Use Google Maps or Mapquest to get directions if you're not sure where you are going.Program your GPS, if you have one, so you can find the best route to the company. Check on parking, if it's an issue.If you have the time, it's a good idea to do a practice run a day or two before the interview. That way, you'll be sure about where you going and how long it will take to get there. Give yourself a few extra minutes and arrive a little early at the interview.

During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you're not paying attention, you're not going to be able to give a good reponse.It's important to listen to the interviewer, to pay attention, and to take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer.Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take type of conversation, so you're building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just giving rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer.Towards the end of the interview let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.

Follow up a job interview with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the job.Consider your thank you letter as a follow-up 'sales' letters. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on.This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.

Presumably you've done your due diligence prior to heading to your interview - Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, the whole social media shebang. On your way in, tap on Twitter and the company's website one last time to see if there is any company breaking news you might be able to relevantly reference. 'It will make you seem interested, informed and help you stand out from other candidates,' says Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of Be Your Own Best Publicist: Using PR Skills to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded At Work.

Especially if your appointment is after lunch, find a mirror and do a quick stain/spinach-in-teeth check. So simple, yet so often forgotten in the well-intentioned desire not to be late. 'One of my clients, in her haste to dress and rush to the interview, discovered that she was wearing her blouse inside-out,' says Roy Cohen, career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide.

The security team or receptionist isn't just a gateway into the office, he or she may be a pseudo-spy for your boss-to-be. Act as if anything you say or do will be relayed to your interviewer. 'Many candidates don't realize that the receptionist holds more power than you think. Starting on the wrong foot with the receptionist could prematurely end your candidacy for the position. And the worst part is that you may never know what happened,' says Cheryl Palmer, founder of Call to Career, a career coaching firm. Part of showing respect means finishing any cell phone conversations before you enter the building and turning off your ringer.