Tips to ace the job interview

Getting a job is a lengthy process. There's the screening, the group discussion and the final interview to wade through first. Phew! So face it and max it. The interview however, is the clincher

First things first

*Research the company thoroughly. Get your facts

*Hone your language and communication skills

* Check your CV one last time to see if it's updated

* Practice before a mirror. Check to see if you have any nervous tics or a bobbing adam's apple or are prone to fidgeting when you are uncomfortable

* Do a thorough self-analysis, identify your strengths and weaknesses, skills and talents, and achievements, career goals and ambitions.

* Anticipate the interviewer's agenda. Make a list of probable questions and practice answering them

On the D-day

*Dress well. Be conservative

*Take more than one copy of your resume

*Get the place, time and person right! Check out the venue the day before!

* Make a head-start, arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes early so that you have enough time to gather your thoughts before the interview begins

* Be courteous to everyone

* Wait till you are asked to take a seat before you sit!

* Stay attentive and alert. Never slouch

* Take your time answering questions

* Talk in a firm and confident, yet polite tone. Stick to the point, avoid lengthy answers

* Be prepared for some irrelevant questions!

* Ask a few questions (company's growth, expansion plans, what they look for in an employee, etc) to show that you are interested in the company and know something about it .

SAMYUKTA KODA