Interview Tips
No one can predict what could happen at the actual interview, but it always helps to be prepared to face different kinds of scenarios, thus eliminating a lot of uncertainties. A candidate who is fired up and ready to go at the time of the interview has a tremendous advantage over a candidate who is not.
Always carry couple of copies of your resume, a pen or pencil, your business card (if any) and a few blank papers nicely arranged in a folder.
Dress appropriately. If the company does not have a dress code, remember that its better to overdress than underdress
Get detailed directions to your interview place well in advance. Carry cash for parking if required.
Always arrive only around 10 minutes early for the interview, not earlier than that or later than the interview time. Turn off your cell phone or pager. Do not assume that whoever greets you is the receptionist.
Sometimes taking a deep breath before entering the interview room makes you relax more thus creating good energy within.
When you arrange the interview, find out whom you'll be talking to, and what their function is within the company. It always helps to get some details about them so that you know well in advance what to expect and strategize your approach accordingly. This way both the interviewer and the interviewee will be at ease.
Get some information about the company beforehand, such as the key players (top executives), the vital signs (how is the company doing financially, if private, is it getting enough funding, how many rounds of funding so far) and the basic structure (products and services offered by the company).
When asked about your past work, it always helps to ask what is expected; short answer or a long one. That way you would get an idea as to how you should answer later too. An inability to express yourself clearly is often more of a deficiency than the lack of required experience for a specific opportunity.
Keep a list of questions that you might want to ask about the company. But as far as possible, keep them limited to organization, direction, stability, market share, new products and services. You can also ask about the position responsibilities, reporting structure or even travel requirement. Never ever ask for salary scale or even benefits. You will have the opportunity with HR person when the time comes.
Present yourself as a loyal, hard-working, virtuous, and dedicated candidate, rather than as an opportunistic job-hopper who'd prefer to live off the fat of the land. Show enthusiasm and confidence.