How To Have A Successful Interview

You want the job, but there are 30 candidates competing with you. How do you ensure that you are ahead of the pack? Sometimes, it all boils down to the very crux moment: Interview. Presenting yourself well in an interview can boost your chances of getting a job.

Here are some important things to note:

Know about the company's culture. It can make a decision whether to go casual or conservative and you may decide to go with colored paper for your resume to attract more attention. For example, if you are going for a creative job in an advertising agency and knowing that the company emphasizes on creativity, you may want to be a little creative in your resume to display your skills. Use good quality paper and envelopes.

Remember to proofread your resume for grammar, spelling and punctuation. Make sure your resume copies are clear and clean. Don't print a resume for every job. Each should look like an original.

Look professional for the interview, men should wear a solid color, professional suit with a white long-sleeved shirt and conservative tie (no sports team logo or cartoon characters). Wear dark socks and dress shoes and stay away from jewelries like earrings. Get a near haircut and be sure your facial hair and nails are neatly trimmed.

When you go for an interview, be sure you know who is going to interview you. If you are interviewed by more than one person, pay attention when you are introduced to the next individual, and don't forget their name. Nothing is more embarrassing than forgetting the name of the person to whom you are talking and of course it will reduce your chances of getting the job. If you missed out the name during introduction, don't be shy, just ask the interviewer to repeat the name again.

Get to your interview early, find the building and check in. If you are going to drive or take the train, get directions to the location and carry a printed copy for reference just in case you are lost (Don't be surprise, it's a corporate jungle). Plan to get there 10-20 minutes early so that you can compose yourself for the interview.

This is usually the touchiest moment in an interview: Salary. When negotiating salary for your new job, do not damage your relationship with the company or the boss. Be realistic. Do not ask for more than you know a company can give. Of course, do not ask for lower than what you would expect. The best way to do it is to ask for a salary that is of the market rate. If you think that you are worth it, you can ask for 10%-15% more than the market rate.

In short: know the company, know yourself, be confident and you will definitely get your dream job.