National career management consultant Suzanne Rosson from KWA Partners Inc http://www.kwapartners.com , offers some strategic pointers to help
showcase yourself in the marketplace.

1 - Be Prepared
Bone up on the company you want to work for-get hold of its brochures and
annual reports; search the internet. Know its mission and its management
style and any problems it may be experiencing and how your skills fit their
needs. Make sure the opportunity is a good fit for you. Identify difficult
questions the interviewer will ask-why you left your last job, what you can
bring to this job, what are your long terms goals-and intelligent questions
to ask the interviewer related to your research of the company. And practise
with a friend. Know how to articulate your skills and experience.

2 - Be On Time
Better still, arrive 10 minutes early. Do a trial run at the same time the
day before to make sure of the address, assess the traffic flow, ascertain
the best route and find convenient parking.

3 - Be Well-Dressed
Be appropriately and stylishly yet comfortably dressed-dressing up shows
respect for the interviewer and your level of sophistication to match the
job. Be well-groomed, with neat hair, trimmed fingernails, polished shoes,
conservative jewellery and don't wear perfume. Too many people suffer from
allergies. First impressions are lasting. Don't smoke, chew gum or suck
candy. Don't fidget or fiddle with your hair or clothes. Turn off your
cellphone or other electronic devices before you enter the receptionist's
office. Such interruptions tell the interviewers where they lie on your
scale of importance.

4 - Be Well-Mannered
Be polite to all the staff, junior or senior. Shake hands firmly and thank
the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Exchange business
cards.

5 - Be Confident and Calm
Talk quietly and with assurance; know what your objectives are and how you
will fit the company's needs. Don't give the impression you're shopping
around.

6 - Be Professional
Be at ease but not familiar. Don't use first names unless invited to, but
introduce yourself using yours. Address the interviewer by name, correctly
pronounced, using his or her academic or courtesy title, and know his or her
job title and role in the company. Speak clearly and don't sit down until
invited to. Follow the interviewer's small talk, which will always precede
the business part.

7 - Be Enthusiastic
Ask informed questions about the company, its way forward, culture and
people and-without gushing-let them know you would consider it a privilege
to work in that environment.

8 - Be Aware of Body Language
Avoiding eye contact is as bad as staring the interviewer down. Sit still,
and not on the edge of your seat. Don't riffle through papers such as your
resume, which could indicate a lack of confidence. Smile, but don't tell
jokes, no matter how nervous you are.

9 - Be a Good Listener
Wait for the questions to be formulated and answer promptly, clearly and
concisely after making sure you understand what is being asked. Take a
minute to think rather than launch into the wrong answer. Avoid monosyllabic
answers where you can, and use proper English, not slang.

10 - Be Honest
Especially about your strengths. Never lie, but be selective about your
limitations, acknowledging them if necessary as not as strong as other
specific skills.

11 - Be Resistant to Talking About Money...
or benefits or vacations. But if the subject is raised, quote your last
salary, suggest a salary range if you have to and make it known that you are
open to negotiation. After all, there may be huge opportunities for
advancement within the company.

12 - Be Positive
Talk about yourself, your quest to grow, your high standards. Don't be
negative about your previous employment even if it wasn't right for you. Let
it be known that you can do this job. Don't assume prematurely the job is
yours, no matter how good the atmosphere. Stress your achievements because a
job interview is the only time you can promote yourself. After all, no one
else will.

13 - Be Aware
Time is money. Don't waste the interviewer's time but don't give the
impression you want to rush away. Before you do leave, ask what the next
step is.

14 - Be Ready to Follow Up
Send a thank you letter, which is a subtle reminder why you would be right
for the job.

Courtesy of
Ian Dutton