A job interview is more than just preparing for a set of answers and delivering them appropriately. You can never be too sure about how the interview will go until it is over. Interviews can be of various types and you should be prepared to face anything that comes your way. Prepare yourself with these basic principles before walking into a real interview.
Know yourself
Evaluate your skills, abilities and accomplishments. Back up your accomplishments with evidence. Give clear and specific examples of the things you have accomplished. Example: if you claim to be a good writer, provide examples of your published work in print media, if available. If not, find another way in which you can provide this evidence.
Know the organisation
Do your research on the organisation. Before walking into the interview gather as much information as possible about the mission statement, operations etc, of the organisation.
Anticipate certain questions
You will know answers to most of the technical questions so prepare for them. Rehearse at home. Questions about your education, ability to work with others, past experience, personality, work habits or career goals are likely to be asked in most interviews.
Don't lose your cool
Be aware of different questioning techniques. There may be some very straightforward questions about yourself and the job. Others might be tricky, conditional or stressful to test how you deal with specific situations in reality. In certain cases you may be goaded simply to see how you handle the pressure.
Be your best self
Do not sit unless your interviewer asks you to do so. Greet your interviewer or anyone you come across in the office politely. Address them with their respective title unless asked otherwise. Introduce yourself by your first and last name. Do not ramble. Do not keep anything on the desk. Do not fidget and play with anything on or near your hands.
Do not be self-centered
Do not make yourself sound too self-centered by being too concerned about the compensation, work hours etc. Rather try to develop a feel for the need of the employer or the job.
Filter what you say and how you say it
Be strategic with your weaknesses; when asked what your weaknesses are, there is no need to be too honest about them. Examples of weaknesses include being a perfectionist, a workaholic, being too friendly and other "issues" which can be given a positive spin.
