Here are seven easy steps on how you can improve your interviewing skills.

There has been a lot of research about the interviewing process. Here is a brief run-through.

You show up for the interview.

The essential traits of being prompt, how you speak and carry yourself and even how you dress are all factors that contribute to making a lasting impression that will eventually get you hired.

You can make the acquaintance of the receptionist or the assistant when you schedule the interview, either by phone or personally. Be polite and friendly, as these people might provide information that can be essential to getting that job or even just give you a background of the company or your prospective boss.

You have distributed your resume to potential employers, and you have determined the right job to apply. The next step is to schedule a job interview.

Amid technological advancement nowadays, the “back-to-basics” rule still applies when it comes to getting hired for a job. When you face an interviewer, it all boils down to how you present yourself.

1.) Prepare for the interview.

Dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks into the room, or once you walk into the room, your appearance will be the first thing to make an impact in the interview. Dress appropriately, check your grooming and mind your posture.

Second, practise basic courtesy. Know where the interview will be held and be there with ample time to prepare yourself before the scheduled meeting. Turn your phone off to avoid unnecessary distractions.

2.) Research.

Make sure that you prepared answers to a few basic questions, but do not sound scripted. When you rehearse what you will be saying “word for word,” this happens. It is enough that you have an overview of what you will impart to the interviewer, and it is better to be spontaneous.

Use all your resources to make sure that you know the basics of the company. When asked about how you heard or what you know about the business that you are applying for, you would not want to be caught unprepared.

Learn about your potential employer. In your mind, develop a clear picture of the company profile.

3.) Be cool.

Make sure to start on a positive note and set the proper expectations.

Step forward to be seated, and the interview is about to begin. Make a great first impression by maintaining eye contact, giving the interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a polite greeting. Do not forget to thank the interviewer for taking time off of his or her busy schedule to interview you, Sit only.

4.) Do not sell yourself short.

Make sure that as a prospective employee, you impart to your future employer what you are and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Stay responsive and do not give a wrong impression about your previous employer.

You may also put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities should I look for in a potential employee? Would I profit if he works for me and can he contribute to the development of the company?

Do not be afraid to sell yourself, but do not be overconfident – just project confidence in yourself and your capabilities.

In the course of the interview, answer the questions briefly and accurately. The key is, to be honest.

Do not let your lack of experience hinder you from gaining the advantage against more experienced applicants if you are applying for your first job. What you lack in experience, make up for in confidence and eagerness to learn.

5.) Ask questions.

Should you encounter a tough interviewer, do not be intimidated. Lightly remind the interviewer that would like to discuss your competencies and experiences for them to learn more about you.

6.) Wrap it up.

As you near the end of the interview, make sure that all bases are covered. Once employed, now is not the time to discuss or even ask about the salary and the benefits that you will receive. Once you do get the position and you are considering the job offer, there is ample time for that.

Wrap things up by summarizing your strengths and pointing out your positive traits. As you end the interview, make sure to thank the interviewer again for his or her time, thus leaving a lasting impression.

7.) Follow up.

You make a schedule for the interview.
You are there in the office and seen by the interviewee.
The interview itself then transpires.
Next is the closing, and then you follow-up with a thank you note.
You eventually get accepted, and you discuss, negotiate for and sign-up the job offer.

You may notice that the interviewing takes up a great deal of the getting hired processes, so you might as well polish up your interviewing skills on your way to getting that dream job.

Send that all-important thank you note after the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time that he took with you and for giving you that opportunity. Make sure that you know who to contact for follow-up of the results.

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