We all get nervous for job interviews. By nature it is a very judgemental process and we obviously want to represent ourselves as best as possible. Going over some simple steps prior to your interview will help you improve your comfort level and make a great impression. Remember you have been called in for an interview because the employer thinks you may be right for the job based on your resume. At Negotium Recruitment Services we often encounter candidates who are well qualified but stumble at interview stage. Below is a brief interview preparation that will remind you of how to carry yourself.

• Research the company on the internet and perhaps print off some important information about the company from their website. This is easy to do and will convey professionalism.
• Rehearse answering obvious interview questions like ‘So tell us a bit about yourself?' Make sure your answers stay relevant to the position and are clear and concise. If you are concerned about being asked particular questions like ‘Why did you leave ABC Company?' Prepare a positive and articulate answer.
• Wear a suit. Many people make up in their mind a range of reasons why dressing another way is a good idea. They are wrong. It is a job interview. If you are a man you wear a suit. If you are a woman you wear a skirt or pant suit. End of story.
• Fill out any application forms you are given at the interview in there entirety. Avoid omitting answers. This demonstrates your thoroughness and ability to follow direction.
• Arrive exactly 10 minutes early. This will give you a chance to fill in forms they require and make a good impression. Arriving late will obviously make a bad impression. Do not arrive more than 10 minutes early. You will seem desperate. If you are early walk around the block and just relax.
• Be pleasant and friendly to everyone at the interview and everyone anywhere near the location of the interview. You want to create a positive vibe.
• Don't grab and crush people's fingers or give a pathetic limp handshake. It's a handshake. It's not that hard to do.
• Avoid speaking too much and stay on topic. For whatever reason many of us go into an interview, get asked a simple question, then proceed to ‘bong off' for 10 minutes. Give clear and concise answers then pause and wait for the interviewer to respond.
• Do not speak while the interviewer is speaking. Wait for a break in the conversation.
• Make eye contact. Eye contact expresses honesty and self confidence.
• Be positive and excited. Use your personality, achievements and strengths to help get the job.
• Turn a negative into a positive. Instead of saying you don't know something, talk about your ability to quickly pick things up.
• Do not speak poorly about a current or former employer. No matter how reasonable your complaints you will come off looking bad.
• Do not ask about pay in the first interview. Once they decide to offer you the job you will be in a much stronger position to negotiate your remuneration package.
• Send a short and polite follow up email after your interview. This will further demonstrate your good manners and make sure you are remembered (there will nearly always be other people being interviewed for the same position).

Keep in mind it was your resume that got you the interview but it will be your interview skills that get you the job.