Here are some useful tips that will help you make a successful job interview.

Think of an Interview as a First Date

When facing a job interview, the natural tendency is to gird yourself against the onslaught of killer questions and to do everything you can to snow 'em. That can be a prescription for failure. You will likely come off as defensive, even disingenuous. Under pressure, job seekers frequently utter turn-off canned phrases such as, "I'm seeking a new challenge," or, "I believe I'm uniquely qualified for the position."

What You Could Do Today

Instead of the Inquisition, think of a job interview as a first date: You're both trying to figure out if there's a match. This mindset proffers many advantages. You come off as curious, not desperate, you don't assume that too-formal, phony-appearing job-seeker persona, you talk about what you want to talk about instead of just passively getting bombarded with the employer's probes and you're more likely to ask questions during the interview. Those questions will help you assess if you really want the job, or if the tasks will be annoying and the coworkers dumb? Treat the interview as a first date, and you'll both be better informed when deciding whether you should hook up.

It's OK to Be Nervous

Not only is it OK to be nervous about an interview, but it is essential for you to accept how you feel. Telling yourself you should feel differently than you do is unrealistic and just makes you feel bad about yourself. What's the worst that can happen at an interview? For many, it would be not getting an offer. Did you ever think that maybe the job wasn't right for you? Try to look at the process as a learning experience.

Emotional Prep

Preparing emotionally for the interview is as important as researching the company. The right mood helps you perform at your best. Try these suggestions for preparing emotionally: get moving -- go for a walk, run, exercise, meditate, do yoga, stretch, dance, something -- activity gets blood flowing to your brain; sing your favorite song while driving to the interview; repeat an inspirational phrase aloud that's meaningful for you; or simply remember a time when you felt terrific.

Look Better, Feel Better
 

If you want to spruce up your appearance for the interview but can't afford new clothes, consider altering an outfit you already have by pairing it with a different shirt, tie, blouse or accessory. Even on a tight budget, you can find some real bargains out there. Think about what you need before you go out shopping. Outlet stores and resale shops offer some great treasures. For better or worse, looks can make a difference.

Keeping Time
 

Try to arrive early for the interview, but not too early. Get to the site 20 to 30 minutes early to allow for any surprise disasters. Don't enter the building until 10 to 15 minutes before your interview. Arriving too early could throw the interviewer's schedule off and start you off on the wrong foot. Use the time spent sitting in the lobby to get a good feeling for the environment.

Follow the Interviewer
 

During the interview, your interviewer is giving you information that can guide you on how to behave during the meeting. Observe your interviewer's style, and then pace and match it. Listen to what is being said, and let the interviewer know you've been listening by asking good questions and making insightful comments. Answer questions by providing the information asked for. Telling more than needed could be a mistake. Too much information, particularly personal information, should not be discussed during the interview

Be Quiet and Focus

One common mistake candidates make when interviewing is talking too much. It's important to listen to the question asked and answer that question. Keep your answers to two to three minutes at the most. When you limit your time, you tend to stay more focused. It is very easy to stray off the subject and ramble about things irrelevant to the job if your answer is too long. Watch the interviewer's eyes -- if they glaze over, you've lost them

Look Them in the Eyes
 

Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you're viewed as lacking confidence or interest. If you have a problem looking into your interviewer's eyes, try looking at the “third eye” right above and between the eyes.

Know What You Offer

Prepare answers for open-ended questions, like, "Tell me about yourself," by making a list of your skills and traits that match the employer's requirements. The closer your skills and traits are to the job description, the better chance you have of landing the job. You should leave the interviewer with a clear picture of what you have to offer.

Check in During Interviews

Some of your best stories probably take time to detail, but your initial interview answers should be brief. Check in with the interviewer after two minutes and prompt an invitation to go on. Say something like, "Now that I've described the outcome of my work on that project, would you like to hear about my role in detail?"

Answer Briefly

When it comes to talking during an interview, sometimes less is more. As a general rule, you should speak one-third of the time and definitely no more than half of the time. The best interviews have a give-and-take atmosphere. To do this, you need to ask questions and try to draw out your interviewer rather than talking about yourself nonstop. When it's your turn to speak, don't hesitate to tout yourself -- just remember to stop talking after you do.

Don't Forget to Listen
 

Most candidates are so nervous about answering interview questions correctly that they forget to listen. Listening is one of the most underused interview skills. Follow these tips:

• Listen through eye contact -- stay with the person.

• Listen with nonverbal expressions -- nod and appear interested.

• Listen until the speaker is finished -- do not interrupt.

By focusing on what is being said, you can gather valuable information that will help you formulate better, more intelligent answers and questions of your own.

The World's Toughest Job Interview Question

Here's a real heart-thumper: Why have you been unemployed so long?

You won't make a great impression by saying, "I wanted to be a full-time parent." Or worse, "No one would hire me."

What You Could Do Today

When asked this question, give a brief answer and then move on to explain that you're a good fit for the position. For example, "I wanted to be a full-time mom, and I've stayed current in the field. Now that my child is older, I'm eager to get back to work. When I saw your ad, I got excited, because I could be of help to you."

Explain Why You Left

Follow these guidelines when interviewers ask, "Why did you leave (or are you seeking to leave) your company?" Succinctly describe the reason for your departure, and don't go into details unless asked. Provide references to support your reasons for leaving and job performance. Stay with the facts of what happened, what you did, how you felt and what you learned. Then describe how you will handle things differently in the future.

Answering Illegal Questions

Responding professionally is much more effective than telling the interviewer he's breaking the law. Even illegal questions pose an opportunity for you to present information about your talents. If you're asked an illegal question, don't directly answer it. Deal with the underlying concern, and express your commitment to your career. For example, if an employer asks, “How does your spouse feel about your business travel?” respond with, “I'm fully committed to performing my job well. My career is important to me, and I have a strong support system at home."

Your References

For your reference list, you want three to five people and their contact information. Don't forget to get permission to use your references' names, and while you're at it, ask how they prefer to be contacted. You should also send them a copy of your resume so they'll be aware of what you're saying about yourself.

Prove What You Could Do

Always put a positive spin on your answers to difficult questions. If you lack a particular skill or don't know a certain computer program, be sure to emphasize how quickly you learn. Give an example of a time when you were able to get up to speed in a similar situation. Companies are interested in people who can hit the ground running.

Sell Yourself

Interviewing is about selling.

1.      The product you are selling is you. Give them reasons to buy.

2.      Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company, department and position.

3.      Convince them that your product is better than the competition's.

Talking Salary

Timing is everything in the interview. Let them bring up the subject of money. If you are asked what your salary expectations are too early in the process, just say you would rather postpone that discussion until you have more information about the position. Ask, “Could you tell me the range budgeted for the position?”

Source: www.monster.com