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The most important element in preparing for a job interview is about selling yourself effectively. Selling yourself effectively requires confidence not only in your ability to perform the job but confidence in yourself as a person. Because your most compelling selling point when preparing for an interview is confidence, the biggest leverage you can give yourself is to nurture confidence in yourself and like yourself. If this is established, then given adequate preparation, most of the other things interviewers like, will usually manifest themselves. You will be in a position to answer questions directly, making good eye contact (because you are confident) and your body language will affirm what you are saying in a virtuous circle of positive self expression.

The interviewer(s) will then have no option but to like you, believe in you and offer you the job. Once your confidence is in place, the rest of your interview preparation is procedural. However, you should adopt good job interview preparation to give yourself the best possible chance. There is no point being confident and not preparing adequately for your interview. If you follow this route, other candidates, who may also be confident, with better preparation, might have an edge over you. Success therefore requires self belief combined with adequate preparation.

Have you thought about your career goals?

An key element of effective job interview preparation involves making sure you have set clear career goals for yourself with clear tangible plans on how to achieve them: so when you are asked to elaborate, you can do so convincingly. Importantly, make sure the career of your choice is aligned towards your true personality and draws on your natural talents. People in this position tend to excel in their careers and invariably tend to enjoy more fulfilment than others who may be in a rut and purely in a job to pay the bills.

Update and revise your CV/resume

When preparing for an interview it is important that you update your CV/resume, making sure all information is accurate and tailored towards the job. You might be asked by the interviewer to "talk through" your CV/resume so make sure you familiarise yourself with every detail of your CV/resume, including dates and remits. Back up your resume/CV with proof of achievements and always take at least three copies of your CV/resume to the interview.

Research the organization thoroughly

Never attend an interview without updating yourself adequately on the organization: their corporate philosophy, current/future plans etc. You can easily find this on their website and by calling them for brochures. The interviewer(s) will expect you to have done your homework and exhibit that knowledge during the interview. Organizations use this as an important metric for assessing candidates professionalism and seriousness towards the job. If a candidate can't be bothered to find out about the organization at this stage, that mentality may be deemed an integral feature of that candidate's work ethic.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Being stumped by an unexpected question can erode confidence and some people even exhibit signs of unease and even panic. The best way to avoid this situation is knowing how to prepare for likely interview questions. Familiarize with likely questions and make sure you formulate answers that fall in line with your career experience, expectations and plans. You will see typical interview answers on this site and elsewhere on the net but they are designed only to give you an idea on how to structure answers to particular questions. It is important to first rehearse answers in your mind and then practice delivering them in mock interview sessions with a friend, colleague or family member. You can also find clues to likely interview questions in the job description: review the specific skills, competencies, experience and qualifications stated in the job description. Try to find examples for each desired skill from your past work experience and make sure you can elaborate on them sufficiently.

The interviewer(s) will expect questions from you

Prepare a list of questions about the job and the organization itself. Gather all necessary information: brochures, catalogues, job spec, person spec and other information relevant to your job application from which you can add additional questions to your list. Asking relevant, insightful and pertinent questions show you have done your homework and shows the interviewer(s) you are a professional, that you take the job seriously and that you are interested in the organization. Show the interviewer you are a consummate professional who knows how to prepare for an interview properly.

Let your interviewer know your skills are much in demand

You should hint your value by letting your interviewer(s) know of any job(s) offered to you which you have yet to decide. If you have other interviews lined up or about to be arranged, also communicate this to those interviewing you. This will alert the organization to the fact your skills and capabilities are valued elsewhere. Quite often, this knowledge can be a vital factor towards the final stages of the selection process.

Take a personality test ahead of your interview

Employers use personality tests to ascertain strengths and weaknesses; and use the results during interviews. You should therefore take a test ahead of your interview to identify areas which you might be asked questions during interviews. Some sites on the internet offer free reports. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will enable you to prepare good answers to possible questions effectively.

Adopting these steps when preparing for a job interview will greatly enhance your perormance and increase the likelihood of securing the job.