tips to get ready for job interview

If you're traveling a longer distance, try to leave time to use the ladies' or mens' room. 'Nothing is more distracting than nature's call mid-interview. [You] may not be able to concentrate fully on questions that you are asked and those you need to ask to appear engaged and focused,' says Cohen. Having to take a bathroom break during your meeting will make you seem unreliable and disorganized.

Being aware of the people around you and your surroundings from the time you enter the building until the time you sit down across from your interviewer can give you clues that you can use on the fly.'Often the person leaving as you are arriving is your competitor. Or you may be waiting in the same area as other candidates. See how they are dressed, how old are they, what are they carrying,' says David Couper, career coach and author of Outsiders On The Inside: How to Create a Winning Career...Even When You Don't Fit In. He suggests tailoring your answers appropriately with the information you gather: 'If they seem older than you they may have more experience. Be ready to talk about the quality rather than the quantity of your work knowledge.'

Part of being aware of your surroundings is noticing what's on the walls, in people's cubicles, and in the lobby. This can give you nuggets about the company that can't be found with Google. 'Sometimes looking at what is on a whiteboard in a conference room can give you valuable information. A client once saw three issues that were hitting sales on a board in the room he was asked to wait in. He was able to talk about them during his interview,' notes Couper.

Ever feel like you settle into an interview after a few minutes? That doesn't go unnoticed. 'As a former recruiter, I would see candidates come alive three or more minutes into the interview,' says Caroline Ceniza-Levine, partner with SixFigureStart, a career consulting firm. Unfortunately, that's a big strike against you: 'That's three minutes too late, as I've already formed an opinion about them,' notes Ceniza-Levine, a former Fortune 500 recruiter. She suggests taking five minutes in the waiting room to review an index card with key points or an inspirational quote to make sure you're operating at 100 percent the moment you sit down.

An interviewer is not a surprise situation you know you'll probably be in a waiting room and that at any moment you'll be called in. So be ready.'I can't tell you how many candidates scramble for their bag, their coat, their water, their book, and hunched over and arms full still try to shake my hand. It's hard to look professional and poised this way,' says Ceniza-Levine. So pare down what you're carrying and leave a hand free to shake. She adds that you should make sure your first impression isn't a wardrobe malfunction (for women, that may be a skirt that rides up too far, and for a man, pants that are hemmed too short). 'One job seeker wore Mickey Mouse socks that so distracted an interviewer, he went from front-runner to discard,' recalls Ceniza-Levine.

Of course you automatically smile when you introduce yourself - you're a reasonably socially competent human being, right? But the thing is, when you're nervous, you may simply be breezing through the motions and a half-hearted effort can leave a bad first impression. So smile purposely, with confidence and with every person you meet. 'Too many people are timid through the process of letting receptionists, security and others know they are there for an interview, as if the job seeker is putting people out. It's hard to turn that attitude around to one of power when you sit in the hot seat so I recommend starting with that confidence the moment you arrive,' says Tracy Brisson, founder and CEO, The Opportunities Project, a career coaching firm for younger employees.

Research the firm or organisation for which you are being interviewed and find out about the position for which you are applying.Use the internet, friends and relatives or contact the organisation to get information about them and the position. Be prepared totalk about the organisation and why you want to work there.

Be able to talk about how you could contribute to the organisation. Show that you believe you can do the job by referring to your skills, abilities and experience.

The interview is not only for the employer. The interview is also for you to learn about the position and see if it really is for you. If you are properly prepared, you should generally know about the position and can ask questions relevant to you if your application is successful.

For example, copies of your resume, certificates, references or names and contact details of referees.