We have cleared one hurdle in the process of getting a job. As we know that it’s a first step towards the process, you will get an Interview call only if you are able to use the “CREST“ technique. Once the interviewer gets the positive impression of your candidature and feels satisfied and comfortable, he will call for an interview.

Through your resume you have already impressed the interviewer and you have won the 10% to 15% of the battle, but still 85% to 90% is remaining and that will depend upon the interviews

1. Come Prepared:
Before you reach for an interview know your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments very well. An interview is not the time to wing it. Prepare as much as you would for a presentation to the Board of Directors at your company.

2. Research the Company:
Find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports, newspapers, from their website or if you know someone from the company. Try to know the present status of the company what are their plans for the future if they are expanding. Your effort will show in the interview, and you'll be seen as proactive.

3. Be Well Dressed and Properly Groomed:
Appearance is a critical evaluation component.

4. Arrive 15 to 30 Minutes Early:
Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behavior. This will give an idea of whether you are serious about the job, you really love work or you do it for survival. Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder.

5. Exhibit Enthusiasm:
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation as we say “First impression is last impression”. You can make or break an interview within the first five minutes.

6. Appear Friendly and Outgoing:
Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation.

7. Be Self-confident:
High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of the successful individual. With confidence, be able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles. There's nothing wrong in feeling good about yourself.

8. Come Prepared for Key Questions:
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say. If possible make 3 to 4 minutes speech about yourself. See to it that you will not give a chance to think or to ask any questions till you finish, interviewer can ask questions later if he feels you have missed anything. Make it interesting and meaningful give more of what you have done rather what you will do.

9. Remain Involved:
The most effective interviews are those where an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question-and-answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant insight. Do not ask to repeat the question and to avoid this have eye contact with an interviewer, be a good listener. Don’t be in a hurry to respond; listen carefully to what he wants to say and then only answer.

10. Establish Your Worth:
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. Try and understand what the company is looking for, give such an experience which is relevant to the future job, such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained someone, etc or if it is Sales position then tell some incident where you have converted or closed a deal which was very difficult to convert.

11. Know Your Five Key Strengths and Weaknesses:
Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else and also your weakness as the interviewer is looking out for personality traits.

12. Give 1-to-2 Minute Responses:
Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions.

13. Provide Examples/Details:
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer won't accept them as valid.

14. Remain Attentive:
Stay alert during the interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show high levels of interest and stay enthused. These actions can maintain or generate momentum during the interview.

15. Don't Be Arrogant:
A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities.

16. Ask Probing Questions:
A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small talk.

17. Be Positive about Co-workers:
Don't bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers. No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude, typical of those who don't take personal responsibility for their actions.

18. Clearly State Your Interest:
By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position and would like to know when the next step will take place. It's best to demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.

19. Know Your Objective and End with It:
Establish your objective before the interview, like a second interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. Ask a question such as, "do you think my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse, reveals other obstacles to overcome.

20. Write Thank-you Notes:
This classy final touch shows you to be professional and sensitive, and conveys sincere interest. An excellent follow-through.