Many times employers arrange interview during lunch times since they have no other time to see you. However, sharing a meal with your prospective boss and others can be a distressing experience, especially if you have no clue about table manners. Besides proper eating habits you will certainly be asked questions. Some employers like to see what you are like in a social situation and how you conduct your self. This may be a requirement of the job, esp. in the field of business.

First thing is not to be nervous and follow what everyone else does, but never be the first to lead at anything. Wait and ask to be seated. Sit up straight in a chair and do not start eating. Look professional and keep your hands away from the table. Do not play with the utensils and fold the napkin over your legs. Look up at the other people and show some interest in the conversation.

The food part is just the part of the show and irrelevant. If you feel a little odd, now is the time to excuse your self and go the bathroom. Take a few minute wipe your face and relax. Never take a break to go and smoke. You will have plenty of time to do that later, if your interviewer finds out that you did, you may compromise your chances of getting the job.

Jobs are hard to come by and most people do not even get offered any interviews. But there are some individuals who are getting interviews and they often mess them up.

Once you have been invited for an interview, chances are that the company is interested in you. So you have to make an extra effort to know who your prospective employer is.  Before rushing to the interview, get to know something about the company. Find out how long they have been around, what they do and their general business. Today, we have the internet and there is absolutely no excuse for not knowing before hand something about the company.

When you arrive for the interview you will often be asked “What do you know about the company” and saying “Nothing” is not a great answer. You have to say some thing better than nothing. T

he other thing important for the interview is the dressing. Unless you are going for an interview at a fast food store, you need proper attire. Look decent; wear appropriate clothes- coming to an interview in wrinkled  clothes shows that you do not care much about the job- and the feelings will quickly become mutual. Always carry copies of your resume and a pen. The more effort you make, the greater are the chances that you will get the job

With the economic crises and many people having no jobs, there is a glut of workers applying for the few jobs available. Employers are already having many good quality candidates apply but can not offer everyone a physical interview. Thus, many employers are now going through the phone interview to screen and select candidates for the final interview.

Phone interviews are also scheduled when someone is out of state. However, a phone interview is just as important as a regular interview and one does need to be prepared. Always have your CV in front of you so that you can remember what you had written on it. Keep a pen and paper handy as you may need to write down names or phone numbers.

Makes sure the radio and the TV are off in the background. Have silence in the room. Unless you are out of the home, a cell phone is not recommended for a phone interview. These darn devices always run out of power at important times, there is static and many times the voices fade. So use a landline.

Be professional on the phone; just because you can’t see the other person does not mean that you do not have to act professional. Do not drink or eat during the phone call, speak slowly and try not to interrupt the person calling you. The most important thing about a phone interview is to listen and give short precise answers.

The first thing you should never do is quote your salary in your résumé.  Many times employers will ask you what type of salary you expect. This can be very difficult if you have never given any thought to the question.  Also if you have no idea what the salaries are, anything you say is going to be guesswork.

Prepare yourself well, and know what salary you were expecting or salaries that are being offered for such positions. If you do have some idea what you are expecting, give a range of what is reasonable. Do not be demanding and ask for something extravagant. You may even be asked how much you were paid in the previous job and you should not be specific. Just a ball park figure.

With today’s economic recession, you will have to be flexible in what you want and what you get. You can always ask if there are any bonuses, what other things are offered besides the salary. The point is to be tactful and not be greedy. The economics today have made available a glut of good quality people all looking for the same job you are.

Having been in the business of hiring people, I can’t emphasize enough of people being on time. Interviews with prospective candidates are generally set up days or weeks in advance and so you have been given enough time to prepare. If you are out of town then try and stay at a nearby hotel, if you live in the same town, then get up early.

Coming to an interview late is a very bad sign. One does understand that there are times when one may be delayed for an interview, but one must make the effort of being on time. If you are supposed to be there at 9 am, then you have to be in the office at least 15 minutes before. If you do not know where the office is, take time the day before to find out where the place is located. Saying you were lost is a poor excuse especially if you live in the same town.

Never underestimate the time required to get to an interview. Car accidents, unknown delays and traffic can be unpredictable, so always leave home early when going for an interview. If you arrive early, it will give you time to prepare yourself, calm down, and gather your thoughts.

The trick to landing any job is being prepared. By the time you have reached the interview processes you have already searched and prepared a list of potential employers. You’ve prepared your resume. You may have prepared an application as well. Now that you have an appointment for an interview, you need to prepare for the questions that they will most likely ask.

Here are a few questions that you can expect in most job interviews

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
This questioned has turned into a cliché, however many employer still ask it, so you need to be prepared for it. Think it over and give an honest answer. Employers don’t necessarily want you to say what everyone else does.

“Name two characteristics about yourself that you think are admirable.”
You have a lot of choices with this one. If you find that you are little stumped, it may help to talk with people that are close to you and ask their opinion.

“Name something about yourself that you would change and why?”
This is the perfect opportunity to say something that you may not like about yourself but your employer will. Don’t forget to smile and make a lot of eye contact. With a little preparation you can get any job you want.

It doesn’t matter if you are trying to get a job a fast food restaurant or a major computer company, if you don’t show dressed properly you won’t get the job. Personal appearance is a direct reflection on you. If you show up in baggy pants and a t-shirt, what does that say about you? For thing it says that you aren’t taking this interview seriously.

Dressing for an interview is an easy task if you follow a few simple guidelines:

Men
Pull out dress shirt and tie. You’re going need them. A perfect outfit is what many companies refer to as “business casual” which consists of a collared shirt with tie, a nice pair of slacks and dress shoes.

Women
You have a few more options with your attire. If you choose to wear a skirt, be sure it is a proper length and always wear nylons. A smart business suit is always a good choice. No matter what outfit you wear be sure to watch your cleavage ladies. If you want to be taken seriously don’t go to an interview dressed like you are going on a date.

For both men and woman take out piercings especially any facial piercings. Also, it is a good idea to cover any tattoos that are showing. You’ll want to look professional and there is still a stigma attached to piercing and tattoos.

Look great and let your personality shine through. Good luck!

Many people today are finding it hard to get a job and only a few even get an interview. But once you have been offered an interview, at least you have been given an opportunity to present yourself and you should be prepared for it.

• Before you rush off to the interview, get to know a little about the company. Go online and read about what they do.

• Take a few hours off and assess your work experience and be ready to support all your past achievements. Rehearse it in your mind.

• When you arrive for the interview, be well dressed, no one wants a slob at work. Maintain eye contact and show an interest. Never say anything negative about your past bosses.

• Be attentive and listen. Quickly glance around and you will have some sense of the office, the business and you can quickly adapt your answers.

• When asked questions, try and relate your answers to what is being asked and focus on your strong points. When asked if you have any questions, demonstrate your interest and ask pertinent questions (ask business related questions only, do not ask about his/her family, wife, or dog).

Every interview is a learning experience, so if you do not get the first job do not worry. Go over what you did wrong the first time and improve on your answers/presentation.

In today’s growing job market interviews can seem a little daunting. With so many competing for jobs it is imperative to know how to leave a strong positive impact on the interviewer. Give a lackluster interview and you may bore yourself right out of the job of your dreams. Put as much effort into your interview as you plan to put into your work and your stellar performance can have you on your way.

1. Come prepared! Regardless if you’re seeking employment at a fast food chain or a top corporate firm, preparation is key. Know the company you’re applying to work for. Knowledge is key.

2. Practice. Role-play. If you’re too embarrassed to role-play in front of someone then get in front of the mirror. Practice answering every conceivable question that may be thrown at you until your answers appear natural and your response time spontaneous.

3. Self-confidence is crucial. Your grandparents always told you to look someone in the eye when speaking. It’s never more true or necessary than in the interview. Employers are looking for people they can depend upon. Walk in with your head down or talk to the floor and you’re probably on your way out the door. Show the interviewer that you believe in yourself. Give them a reason to do the same.

4. Present a positive attitude. All of the self-confidence in the world won’t help a negative attitude. Don’t speak negatively about former employers or the competition. Maintain a positive outlook throughout the interview.

5. Pay attention. What’s hanging on the wall in the interviewer’s office? Does he or she like animals; have kids, own a plethora of sports memorabilia? It’s the casual comments that can encourage the employer to warm up to you. Showing you take an interest in them can go a long way.

6. Emphasize your strengths. If you’re applying for a sales job you may want to throw in that you understand that a no from a customer could mean that they simply need more information. If you’re applying for a strenuous HR position you may mention that you’re loathe disorganization.

7. Ask questions. Show interest in the company you’re applying for. Learn as much about it as you can during the interview. This will give you a heads up before starting your new career with them.