An interview is carried out as a part of the recruitment process as to determine the future of candidates within the company he wishes to join. It can be generally described as the verbal communication between the interviewer and the interviewee so as to determine the views, ideas and attitude of the interviewee. A person prior to appearing for the interview must be very much prepared. The details on how to prepare for an interview are given below.

Things to be taken care of before the interview

• Explore about the company: Before appearing for the interview, the candidates must make sure that he/she is well informed about the company they wish to join. This knowledge will provide them with a competitive edge. Apart from this, this will also convey a clear message to the interviewer about the aptitude of the candidate. Details regarding a particular company can be attained from newspapers, books or from the official website of the company.  Aspirants can also talk with current employees or former employees about the company as to get more detail information.
• Personnel Demeanor: As the old adage says, first impression is definitely the best impression. This is absolutely correct on all counts. The impression a person gives at the first meeting is very much important and this will determine the place of a candidate within the firm. Most employers will expect the candidates to come in formal attire. The candidates must dress neatly and soberly. They must make sure to avoid strong perfumes and flashy clothes. While getting ready for the interview on the due day, the candidates can iron their clothes as to avoid creases in their clothes. Also, they must try to avoid minor issues such as wayward hair, missing buttons, wrinkled tie or unpolished shoes. This will not go missed by the interview. Paying a visit to the saloon will also work wonders for looking well groomed for the interview.
• Interview gear –ups: The candidates must make sure that they have collected all the necessary equipments a day ahead of the interview. Documents and certificates must be arranged in a file neatly and kept safely. Also, extra copies of the resume must also be kept at hand. Letters of reference, transcripts, certificates, other supporting documents and pass port size photos should be kept securely. In addition to these, a reference list, a notebook, a pen as well as a calculator can also be taken by the candidate to the interview.
• Few tips to consider: The candidates must make sure that there are no typo errors in their resume. The resume must be also created in such way that it is easy to read. The skills of the candidates and the experience they have for the job must be highlighted. The candidates must be honest while answering each question. It would also be of great help to them if they take a minute before answering each question. This will help them avoid many possible errors. If the presentation is good, a candidate’s chance of getting the job in the company will be very high.
• Get ready for the unforeseen: Every interview won’t be the same. The candidates must be prepared to face whatever upheaval that comes their way. Even if they are under pressure, the candidate must keep a calm face. These circumstances will give the panel a chance to determine the attitude of the candidate. The panel will test the candidates’ ability to withstand pressure, their ability to handle a job and their interest in the company.  The main intention of the panel will be to test the candidate’s qualities, to see if he is apt for the company. The only thing the candidate has to do in situations as this is to remain composed, be optimistic and think rationally.
• Unwind before the Interview: The day before the interview, the candidates must make sure that they eat well and sleep well. They must be calm and relaxed. If they are wound up, this will affect their performance at the interview.

Things to be taken care during the Interview

• The candidates must stay focused during the interview. They should be worried about anything else on no account.
• The candidates must switch of their cell phone before the start of the interview.
• The candidates must always look into the eye of the interviewer when they talk. Eye contact conveys confidence.
• The candidates must introduce themselves clearly with their first and last name.
• The candidates must smile at appropriate times.
• The candidates can take some time before they answer the questions. Understanding the question will enable them to answer easily.
• The candidates must be expressive when they reply. They must talk crisply and slowly. They should by no means mumble or stammer.
• One thing the candidates must remember always is to not beat about the bush. They must answer to the point.
• The candidates must never lie or bad mouth/blame their previous employer or anyone at all for the matter. This will earn them black marks very quickly.
• The candidates must never argue with the interviewer. They must make a point to answer all questions politely.
• If the candidates do not know the answer to a question, they must admit it immediately.

Things to be taken care at the end of the interview

At the end of the interview, the panel will ask the candidates if he/she has a question about the company. The candidates can use this chance to ask relevant and intelligent questions. This will indicate their interest for the job. Another important quality the candidates require is the knowledge about their own worth. The details of the salary can be discussed at this moment. Finally, after the interview, the candidates must remember to thank the panel politely for giving them and chance to appear for the interview. Some people will have a tendency to rush off soon after the interview. This is not a good practice. Any good points the panel had for them will all be gone in seconds. The candidates must remember that all their movements will be scrutinized by the panel very carefully. Each and every movement counts.