The pressure in the room gets so intense that you feel like you’re being interrogated rather than interviewed for a job. Staying attentive, calm and delivering educated answers all at once can be very difficult, especially when you’re nervous. No one is perfect but there are a few things you should never do during an interview.

- Scratch the back of your head - this type of gesture will make you appear disinterested to the interviewer. If your head is itching, tough it out for a few more minutes.

- Scratch or rub your nose - some recruiters see this as a sign of dishonesty. Aside from that, it’s totally gross.

- Sit with your arms folded - this suggests that you’re either unfriendly or have a major attitude going on. No one wants to hire a grump or a know-it-all.

- Slouch down in your seat - posture is very important. Slouching back in your seat doesn’t make you look cool but disinterested and unprofessional.

- Constantly look at the clock or the door - sure, ready to get it over with, but you want to give the recruiter your full attention. Keeping your sight on the clock or even the door indicates that you’re not all that interested.

During a job interview, how your body reacts is just as important as how you respond verbally. Here are a few tips that will help you conquer the interview and land that job:

Sit up straight - posture is critical. Be sure that you’re sitting upright and lean slightly forward to show your interest and engagement in the interview process.

Maintain your enthusiasm - you can show your enthusiasm by giving simple nods and positive gestures here and there. After all, you’re a job candidate, not a bobblehead figure.

Keep your distance - respect the personal space of the interviewer. Anything closer than 20 inches could make them uncomfortable and serve as a distraction.

Prepare for interruptions - if the interviewer receives a phone call or someone walks in on the session, keep your cool and wait for them to finish. You never want to fidget in your seat and act
is if you’re too important for an interruption. You could extend courtesy by displaying your willingness to leave and give them a bit of privacy.

End the interview like a professional - when the interview concludes, always stand, smile and end the interview on a positive note with a firm handshake.

How bad do you want that dream job? Even with all the determination in the world, you might not get it without the proper attire. According to a recent article in the U.S.A. Today, far too many candidates still haven’t learned the importance of dressing for success. The article revealed how a few applicants showed up to interviews wearing sneakers, spike heels, jogging pants, and even worse, sagging pants. Some went as far as exposing tattoos and body piercings. Needless to say, many of those candidates costs themselves a good a job.

Appearance plays a big role in the conservative business environment. However, even if the actual job doesn’t necessarily require a professional presentation, it’s important to look your best when showing up for an interview. Here are a few tips for both men and women:

Mens Attire

- Long sleeve button up shirt

- A conservative tie

- Dress shoes, dark socks

- Neat hairstyle

- Neat, close shave

- Little to no jewelry

- Briefcase or portfolio

Women’s Attire

- Professional suit, solid color

- Color coordinated blouse

- Professional shoes, moderate heels

- Light colored hosiery

- Professional hairstyle

- Light perfume and make-up

- Manicured fingernails, mild colors

- Little jewelry

- briefcase or portfolio

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.