Got an interview? Top it with the following tips

As is oft said, 'First impressions are last impressions' and that holds true across professional interactions as well. This interaction starts at the time of the interview and it is therefore important to set the right tone at the very outset.

Dress, punctuality, home work, knowledge / information, focus, honesty and diplomacy are a few key areas to focus upon.

• Dress clean, smart and appropriate. Depending on the position you are interviewing for, it would do good for men to dress in a full suit or a full-sleeved shirt and tie with clean socks and polished shoes.

• Women should be smartly attired in a trouser suit or skirt and shirt making sure that nothing about the outfit is provocative in terms of hemline, neckline, transparency, etc. Lace, frills and ruffles are not recommended for interviews.

• Keep jewellery restricted to small pearl earrings and an unobtrusive watch. Anything more would be a distraction.

• Wear smart, comfortable shoes (with perhaps a two-inch heel for graceful carriage) meant for work wear and match it with the general colour range of your attire.

• Carry a file or a briefcase with your documents, neatly placed  and within easy access.

• Arrive at least 15 minutes ahead and announce your arrival at the reception. Wait to be called in thereafter.

• It is recommended to do your homework on the business of the company and the global trends and developments in the area of your work. Walking into an interview blindly demonstrates lack of initiative.

• Once in, greet everyone in the room and be seated when asked to. Ease yourself into the chair, sit upright, place your hands in front of you and speak confidently to everyone present in the room, maintaining eye contact along the way. Fidgety body language and shifty eyes demonstrate nervousness and an untrusting vibe.

• Carry a neat, clean, unfolded copy of your updated resume and present it only if asked. Make sure it reflects details that are accurate and true. Do not make false claims as they are bound to catch up with you at some time.

• When asked to introduce yourself, list details chronologically and keep it within the limits relevant to your professional graph.

• It is not necessary to cite the reasons for exiting previous employments unless asked.

• Do not speak about your previous employers in a negative light no matter what the circumstances may have been as it will surely put a shadow of doubt on your ability to be professional and loyal. Diplomatically circumvent such situations citing growth and new association(s) for new employment.

• Do not ramble on and keep responses focussed. Avoid being cocky and maintain a humble disposition when talking about your achievements, but do speak about them at the appropriate juncture of the interview.

• Feel free to ask questions pertinent to your role and growth within the organization but please don't ask frivolous questions, such as their break timings, dress code and most importantly, the business that the company conducts!

• At the end of the interview, if you are likely to be hired, you will be told of the next course of action. If not, do understand that the selection / finalization process may take a while longer.

• Thank everyone for the opportunity for the meeting, gather your belongings and leave the room with a confident stride.

So chin up and good luck!