Before giving you a new job, most employers will require a job interview. Job interviewing never seems to get any easier – even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don’t know.

Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Good preparation which helps alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.

Tip1: First, you needed to create a “corporate presence.” Another job interview tip is to get all your documentation together the day before. Make a couple of copies of your resume and a list of your references including name, position and contact numbers. Include copies of any written references you want to give the interviewer. You may want to include work samples that are relevant to the position. Include details of the research that you have conducted on the company. Let the interviewer see that you have done your homework!

Tip2. Practice. Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.

Tip3. Prepare and over-prepare.Prepare a response so you are ready for the question “What do you know about our company. Know the interviewer’s name and use it during the job interview. If you’re not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.

Tip4. Be particularly clear on what you know and what you want to achieve.

If your interview is resume-based (you’ve had to supply a resume either before or concurrently), have the facts of your stated objective, relevant experience, education, etc. thoroughly memorized and mentally supported. As to your job objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don’t want. There’s little room in the job market for the applicant who’s willing to take anything; he or she will usually get nothing!

Tip5. Have good eye contact

Staring at the floor, ceiling, or wall when speaking or listening makes you appear disinterested. Again, simple and obvious but happens way more then you’d think.

Tip6. Have passion

Be able to express why you want to work in that field/industry and what you do to further your knowledge (books, blogs you read). The more intelligent or informed you are the more impressive you’ll look.

Tip7. Make sure your responses match your claims.

If, for example, you’ve taken extra coursework to qualify for a particular position, license, or certification, tie it into your narrative, e.g., “When I took my coursework for my CPA, I learned that …” Build on your resume, but don’t refer directly to it (assuming the interviewer has it in his or her possession); make sure the connections are there, but do it subtly.

Tip 8. Be clear about your strengths.

You’re almost certain to be hit with questions pertaining to your strengths and weaknesses. Know your strengths and emphasize those that relate specifically to the position for which you’re being considered.

Tip 9. Have goals

Maybe you don’t have any idea where you want to be in a few years professionally but figure out something to say. If you don’t and you’re asked, you appear un-ambitious, which leads an interviewer to think you’d be a lazy employee.

Tip 10. Don’t allow yourself to be badgered by the salary issue. Even today,it’s still not uncommon to hear the old refrain: “Our policy is not to pay a new employee more than X% higher than he/she is currently making.” Sorry, that doesn’t fly. The real issue, and the only one at stake here, is whether or not your prospective employer is willing to pay WHAT YOU ARE WORTH. And, your worth is a function of the job itself and your capability and willingness to perform it. In most organizations, there are clear parameters for a given job, a range of salary that is adjustable depending upon the market and the applicant’s experience.

A Not-To-Do List:

Don’t fidget with your clothes, hair or jewelry.

Don’t smoke or chew gum even if invited to do so.

Don’t argue or tell the employer your troubles.

Don’t stress your need for the job.

Don’t use slang or profanity.

Don’t place your handbag or briefcase on the employer’s desk.

Don’t gossip or tell jokes.

Don’t sell yourself out of a job by saying negative things about yourself, peers or past employers.

Don’t focus on wages, benefits or vacation.

Don’t mention personal or financial problems (health, family, etc.).

Don’t be afraid to smile! (Do it a lot!)

Avoid refreshments during the interview (cups spill!).

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