Acing a Job Interview

Graduation is the happiest moment of your life. All of your sleepless nights and skipped meals did not go down the drain. But it doesn't end there. In fact, a bigger challenge awaits you: landing a job.

There's nothing better than putting everything you've learned for 4 years into practice. But before testing the corporate waters, you have to make it past the job interview. The job interview is your first official obstacle before working, so you have to ace it to move on to the next phase of your professional life. Here are some guidelines:

1) Pre-Interview:

• Physical and mental preparation - Dress semi-formally at the least, brush your teeth, comb your hair, sleep early, and eat well.
• Punctuality - Take some time to find out the location of your interview a few days before the actual interview. Give yourself enough time to travel to your destination.
• Research - Do some research on the company you're joining. Look at its website, ask around, or read about it on newspapers or magazines.
• Practice - Do a mock interview with a friend to prepare yourself better.

2) Interview:

• Stay cool.
• Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a warm smile.
• Think before answering.
• Use familiar and concise words.
• Be honest.
• Emphasize your strengths.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• After the interview, ask the interviewer what the next steps are and when to expect a call. But more importantly, thank him for his time.