Are you getting ready to face a job interview? Feeling nervous in preparing yourself for the D-day? Afraid of making the wrong impression? Well, there is no reason to be worried anymore. An interview is just like a normal meeting, and with a little homework, the battle might easily be won. Here are ten great interview tips that can make life easy for you.

Dress comfortably and formally: First things first. An interview is a formal meeting, and you need to dress formally. Wear anything that you are comfortable in, and which goes in sync with your physical appearance. Avoid garish colours, go for subtle shades that either complement or contrast. For women, minimal use of jewellery and make-up is recommended. Don’t forget to match your shoes and belt colour. Remember, first impression does matter and if you are not comfortable with your clothes, you will not be able to deliver your best in an interview.

Do not forget the opening salutation: After entering the room, do not forget to greet the people present. In case there is more than one person in the room, a single ‘Good Morning’ or ‘Good Afternoon’ shall suffice. Do not take a seat unless you are offered one, and remember to thank the person before sitting. Such acts are indicative of your PR skills and help in creating a favourable impression in the mind of the interviewer.

Do not slouch or fidget in your seat. Slouching and fidgeting in seat may suggest two things- that you are nervous and uncomfortable, or that you are in a hurry to leave. Both of these can send a negative signal to your prospective employers. Sit straight, and appear calm and composed.

Keep your nervousness in check. This is perhaps the most difficult part of an interview, but practice goes a long way in overcoming the jitters. If you are a nervous sort of person, try sitting in front of the mirror and speaking. You will be able to notice how you appear before others when you talk. Look for any oddities, and eliminate them. Only practice can help you in being perfect.

Be honest in your responses. Many people feel that saying ‘No’ in an interview is tantamount to discredit, but this is a false assumption. If you are trying to fabricate an answer, chances are there that you may be caught. After all, your interviewer is an expert in the field and might see through your lies. Instead, if you say ‘No’ for an answer, you will at least be appreciated for your honesty.

Never argue with your Interviewer. In many places, interviewers deliberately ask for your opinion on controversial topics or argue over a point that you have spoken. Maintain your composure in all such cases, and try to be diplomatic. Do not get excited, and keep the decibel limit in check. Remember, interviewers have nothing personal against you, they are just trying to assess your stress-taking abilities.

Present your documents/ certificates in an organized fashion. A neat and tidy folder containing all your testimonials can be of great help during an interview. It also gives a favourable impression that you are organized in your activities.

Speak on your strengths but don’t forget your weaknesses. Asking you to speak on your strengths and weaknesses is a favourite question with interviewers around the world. While answering this question, focus on your key strengths and abilities, packaging yourself in the best possible manner. Don’t forget to mention your weaknesses, and never sound contradictory at any point of time. This is a place where your interviewers will analyse you very closely.

Be specific in your reasons for choosing the company. It is advisable to do a bit of homework on the background of the company before appearing for its interview. Try to understand what the company expects from its employees, and compare them with your own expectations.

Do not speak ill of your previous employer / company. You might be having sufficient and valid reasons for quitting your last company, but that does not mean that you have to let the skeletons tumble out of the closet during the interview. Instead, dwell on what you have learnt and how your past experiences can help you in becoming a better employee.

Having said thus, it can only be said that interviews ideally are grounds for interaction and there is nothing to be afraid of while facing an interview. However, for those who do feel nervous, a bit of homework can be of enormous help. Follow the points, get high on confidence, and sail yourself through on the D-day. We wish you all the best.

Avik Roy is a contributed writer for Batchmates.com the largest Alumni portal in India. With his research work and articles he has added an additional edge to the entertainment e-magazine BM Times. His articles reach to millions of readers every day which are varied in subjects.