Mental Preparation
Our minds need dressing up just like our physical bodies. Prepare yourself mentally. Spend some time to review your achievements and praise yourself for what you have done so far. This is not the time to be self-critical or compare yourself with others. Tell yourself that the fact they want to interview you means helf the battle is won, you have gotten a foot in the door. Visualise yourself succeeding at the interview and being happy with how you performed.

If necessary, practice and rehearse how you will respond and conduct yourself. Practice saying answers to frequently asked questions at interviews, so that you can do it naturally. If the interview is in the morning, try to have an early night the day before the interview. For an afternoon interview, avoid scheduling activities 2 to 3 hours before the interview in order to arrive at the interview calm and relaxed!

Timing
Allow sufficient time for travel so that you can get there on time. Being more than 15 minutes early is a little rude but being even a minute late is very rude. If your interview is in a large building, you may have to wait for elevators that may take a long time. In order to allow for sufficient time, get there early and monitor the situation. Walk around if you are early, but keep track of the time. If you need to use the 'restroom', do so before you go for the interview.

Walking In The Door
It's hard to tell what to expect behind that door. It could be a busy office with many people, or a very quiet office where everyone looks up when you enter the door. Many people forget to smile as a result of nervousness. You cannot see your face but others can. Walk with a confident stride and smile. Be nice to everyone, not just the interviewer.

Do not touch anything in the interviewer's office or in the open reception area. Just sit quietly and wait. If you are concerned about having to wait a long time, bring along a book to read. Some employers may make you wait on purpose to see how you react to those around you and if you get impatient. Sometimes, you may have to wait becuase they may have a problem to solve. Remember that they do not interview people for a living, they have a business to conduct.

Filling Forms
Sime employers may want you to fill a form before the interview. Do not attach the resume and write, "refer to resume" on the form. If they wanted a resume, they will ask for it. If they want you to fill the form, fill it properly, include all information, and check for accuracy. As tedious as it may be, form filling is a routine chore you have to come to terms with if you are a job seeker. Always bring your own pen that you are confortable using, in case you have to fill a form.

Personality Tests / Other Tests
IYou may be asked to sit for a test or a series of tests. Do them willingly and do your best. Answer the questions or do the exercises to the best of your ability. Do not panic if you cannot finish the test in the time specified or if you are unable to answer the questions or exercises. Read the instructions for the test carefully. If you are unsure, clarify before you commence the test. What matter is not how you perform but whether you are willing to give yourself a chance.

Telephone Interviews
Some companies use telephone interviews to draw up their shortlist so it is worth giving some thought to how you would cope with this technique. In many ways you need to prepare for a phone interview in the same way as you wuld for a face-to-face interview. In this instance, it is particularly important to think of some questions that you may want to ask the interviewer. You should also try to find a quiet phone that you can use. The you need to get yourself in interview 'mode'. Try and impagine you are sitting in front of the interviewer and use facial expressions as you would in a one-to-one interview becuase your attitude and frame of mind is always reflected in your voice - so don't forget to smile and be positive.

Don't forget the 5 Ws - Who, What, Where, Why and When
Prepare honest and persuasive answers to likely questions, such as

• Why do you want to join us?
• What can you bring to the job/company?
• Why did you leave your last job or why are you leaving your present job?
• Tell me about your last/present job
• How will you set about tackling this job if you are successful?
• What do you think the maiun changes will be between your last/present job and this one?

Next... Dos and Don'ts at the interview and an interview preparation checklist.

The article is extracted from a publication by Kelly Services' called "Best Foot Forward". It is a 52 page guide for job seekers on job search tips. To obtain your very own copy of "Best Foot Forward", please send an email to marcom@kellyservices.com.sg.

Kelly Services is a Fortune 500 company offering human resources solutions that include temporary services, staff leasing, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full time placement. With more than 2500 company owned and operated offices in 26 countries, Kelly provides nearly 800,000 employees annually.