All of us face interviews at different points in our career. Interviews are opportunities for us to present our skills and for the employers to examine us, our viewpoints, our attitude, our body language etc in detail. Attending an interview, however, is certainly not a walk in the park. For most of us, it is a time of nervousness, sweaty palms and dry mouths. When we want a particular job or position desperately, our desperation makes us tensed up and makes the whole interviewing process appear to be a threatening exercise.

Fortunately however, there are a few simple tips which if followed, can make an interview an opportunity where we can exchange ideas and expectations with prospective employers.

1. The first and foremost step should be to find out more about the company. Information can be gathered from newspapers, magazines, websites and from a variety of other sources. The more we know about the company, its expectations and present position in the market, the better will we be prepared to answer their questions.

2. It is good to carry with us a copy of our application and resume. There are chances of documents getting misplaced.

3. Visit the venue of the interview a day before the interview. This helps you from getting lost or getting delayed asking for directions on the day of the interview.

4. Select your choice of dress appropriately. Your choice should reflect your character traits. The interview is not a time to experiment or try out something you have never worn before. Select a dress you are comfortable with. Make sure that your dress is clean and properly ironed.

5. Reach the venue early by at least 20 minutes. This will give you time to use the restroom if you need.

6. When you enter the room where the interview is conducted, greet the interviewers and give them a firm handshake. A good handshake says that you are a confident person.

7. Answer the questions politely. Always maintain eye contact with the interviewers. This shows that you mean what you say.

8. Another important thing you must be conscious about is your posture. Practicing posture before the interview is a good idea. Maintain an erect posture when you are standing.

9. Do not gesticulate or make excessive hand gestures. Gestures must be limited and spontaneous.

10. Show yourself to be a reasonable person. Be a good listener. Be polite when you have a different opinion.

11. Use good English and do not use slang.

12. Positions in the modern organization involves teamwork and working with people with different opinions and perspectives. Show that you are a team player and will be willing to adjust yourself to any work environment.

Common question interviewers generally ask would be to describe yourself, your reasons for leaving the present job and how you will be able to contribute to the position being offered. Practice your answers for these questions.

If you are nervous, you can ask for a glass of water. It helps a lot in reducing the tension and nervousness.

Generally, at the end of the interview the interviewer asks whether you have any questions to ask. Should such a situation arise, it is good to ask questions that are related to the job on offer or about the company. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the job.

The very fact that you have been selected to appear for an interview itself is an achievement. Interviewer sort through hundreds probably thousands of applications to shortlist candidates to appear for an interview. With a few simple steps such as those explained above, you will be able to impress the interviewers and get the job you want.