How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire you TODAY and not even THINK about other applicants. You know you're the right person for the job, so how do you make THEM see that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make yourself shine during the interview process.

1. First, find out everything you can about the company you'd be working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission statement? How does the job you'd be performing relate to the company's goals? Finding out this type of information gives you great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and shows them that you've done your research and already have some background in the company's business and objectives.

2. Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your own strengths and see how you can tie the two together. If you have previous experience, make note of those times where you helped achieve a specific result. Employers give more serious consideration to applicants who have a background and a track record in their industry than those who do not.

3. First impressions count. It should go without saying that you should arrive 15 minutes prior to the interview, dress appropriately (if not above) the position you're applying for, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic, personable and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people you meet and the work you'd be doing. Interviewers can tell if you're desperate!

4. Show that you can solve problems and work well under pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills. If you can identify a particular problem in your industry or that you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer some ideas of how you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed and confident. Some nervousness is expected, but your overall mannerisms (such as fidgeting, nail-biting, slumping in your chair) will be an instant giveaway on how well you REALLY work under stress. Likewise, if you project confidence and security in how you carry yourself, the interviewer will definitely notice.

5. If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions (and you should ALWAYS have a couple of questions ready), consider asking why this position is open. What's the company's track record and turnover rate? Are they performing well and keeping employees on board? Remember, you're not just selling yourself on how you'd be a great fit for this company, but finding out how this company could also be a great fit for you.

6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, “Why would you like to know?” Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you personal questions, including references to your race, gender, sexual preference, marriage status and child care situations. Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the job, not your home and family life.

7. After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight your qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or conversations you had with the interviewer to help them remember that polished, professional, enthusiastic candidate (you). Close the note by letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the position and your confidence in doing it well.
If you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you'll not only have seriously impressed your potential employer, but you'll come away from it feeling like a winner too! Good luck!

An interview is a chance to show you're a standout. A bad interview will make you memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Share your interest in a firm's financial products, but not your opinions.

Before you go for an interview you should have a thorough knowledge about the company details like product they handle, turnover, designation you are applying for , etc.,

Don't provide references unless they’re sure to say something good.

References should be provided only if the company requests you to do so. Make sure you refer people who say something good about you during reference check.

Don't sweat it: Take a cab.

Take a cab, or arrive early to clean up, will foster a more positive first-impression.

Never embellish your present job responsibilities.

Never make elegant statements about you present job responsibilities. It's not to just tell the truth at all times, but to never underestimate the ability of someone to check your background.

Don't chew gum or talk about personal issues.

Be well prepared at the time of interview. Avoid conversing about your personal issues. Never smoke before interview or don't chew gum at the time of interview.

Know when you need to cancel.

A Job candidate who looks good on paper and sounds great on the phone may be a big disappointment in person. So give priority for your personal appearance.

Finally, check your attire in the rest room just before your interview for a final check of your appearance -- to make sure your tie is straight; your hair is combed, etc.

Many organizations will invite you to wear business casual attire to an interview. This can be tricky because business casual essentially runs the gamut from cotton khakis to slacks and from polo shirts to collared shirts with a tie. If you plan to dress business casual for an interview, stick to the more formal side of business casual, in other words, "professional casual."

Did you bring your resume?

Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless you're asked for one.

What do you know about our organization?

Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and you'll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to cover that now?

What experience do you have?

Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the company's concerns. Also, try answering these questions with a question: “Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to you?” Let the interviewer's response guide your answer.

According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?

(Is this person mature and self aware?)
Be prepared to define success, and then respond (consistent record of responsibility)

In your current or last position, what were your most significant accomplishments? In your career so far?

Give one or two accomplishment statements

Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If yes, what do you think held you there?

Refer to positive aspects of the job, advancement opportunities, and what you learned.

Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?

Give only one, and tell how you have corrected or plan to correct your work.

If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Be consistent with what you think the boss would say. Position the weakness in a positive way (refer to #12)

How would you describe your personality?

Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the organization's culture.

What are your strong points?

Present three. Relate them to that particular company and job opening.

What are your weak points?

Don't say you have one, but give one that is really a “positive in disguise.” I am sometimes impatient and do to much work myself when we are working against tight deadlines.” Or “I compliment and praise my staff, but feel I can improve.

How did you do in school?

(Is the person motivated? What are his/her values, attitudes? Is there a fit?)
Emphasize your best and favorite subjects. If grades were average, talk about leadership or jobs you took to finance your education. Talk about extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports, volunteer work)

In your current or last position, what features did you like most? Least?

Refer to your satisfiers for likes. Be careful with dislikes, give only one (if any) and make it brief. Refuse to answer negatively. Respond that you “like everything about my current position and have acquired and developed a great many skills, but I'm now ready for a new set of challenges and greater responsibilities.”

What do you look for in a job?

Flip this one over. Despite the question, the employer isn't really interested in what you are looking for. He's interested in what he is looking for. Address his interests, rather than yours. Use words like “contribute,” “enhance,” “improve,” and “team environment.” Fit your answer to their needs Relate your preferences and satisfiers/dissatisfiers to the job opening.

How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

“Not long, because of my experience, transferable skills and ability to learn.”

How long would you stay with us?

“As long as I feel that I'm contributing, and that my contribution is recognized. I'm looking to make a long term commitment.”

If you have never supervised, how do you feel about assuming those responsibilities?

If you want to supervise, say so, and be enthusiastic.

Why do you want to become a supervisor?

“To grow and develop professionally, to help others develop, to build a team and to share what I have learned.”

What do you see as the most difficult task in being a supervisor?

“Getting things planned and done through others and dealing with different personalities.” Show how you have done this in the past.

You've been with your current employer quite a while. Why haven't you advanced with him?

Let's assume the interviewer has a point here. That doesn't mean you have to agree with the negative terms of the question. Answer: “What I like about my present position is that it's both stable and challenging. But it's true that I've grown about as much as I can in my current position. (This response also turns the issue of salary on its head, transforming it from What more can I get ? to What more can I offer ?)

Why are you leaving your present position?

Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However, some companies have financial problems which may preclude you from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering why you want to move to the target company instead of why you left or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead of answering, “I don't get enough challenges at [company],” respond, “I am eager to take on more challenges, and I believe I will find them at [hiring company]. ”I'm not unhappy (at my present employer). However, this opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or be negative. Keep it short, give a “group” answer (e.g. our office is closing, the whole organization is being reduced in size). Stick to one response; don't change answers during the interview. When applicable; best response is: I was not on the market when PPR Career contacted me and explained what you are doing, it peaked my interest.

Describe what would be an ideal working environment?

Team work is the key.

How would you evaluate your present firm?

Be positive. Refer to the valuable experience you have gained. Don't mention negatives.

Do you prefer working with figures, or with words?

Be aware of what the job requires and position your answer in that context. In many cases it would be both.

What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with?

Use this question as a chance to show that you are a team player: “The only people I have trouble with are those who aren't team players, who just don't perform, who complain constantly, and who fail to respond to any efforts to motivate them.” The interviewer is expecting a response focused on personality and personal dislikes. Surprise her by delivering an answer that reflects company values.

How would your co-workers describe you?

Refer to your strengths and skills.

What do you think of your boss?

If you like him or her, say so and tell why. If you don't like him or her, find something positive to say.

Why do you want to work in a company of this size. Or this type?

Explain how this size or type of company works well for you, using examples from the past if possible.

If you had your choice of jobs and companies, where would you go?

Refer to job preferences. Say that this job and this company are very close to what best suits you.

Why do you want to work for us?

You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in the short run. You like what you've learned about the company, its policies, goals and management: “I've researched the company and people tell me it's a good place to work.”

What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?

Think this through. Your answer should be compatible with accepted norms.

What are you doing, or what have you done to reach your career objectives?

Talk about formal courses and training programs.

What was wrong with your last company?

Again, choose your words carefully. Don't be negative. Say that no company is perfect, it had both strengths and weaknesses.

What kind of hours are you used to working?

(Does the person match job and criteria?)
“As many hours as it takes to get the job done.”

What would you do for us?

Relate past success in accomplishing the objectives which are similar to those of the prospective employer.

What has your experience been in supervising people?

Give examples from accomplishments.

Are you a good supervisor?

Draw from your successes. Yes, my people like and respect me personally and professionally. They often comment on how much they learn and develop under my supervision.

Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?

If you haven't, say so, but add that you could do it, if necessary.

How have you helped your company?

Refer to accomplishments.

What is the most money you ever accounted for? Largest budget responsibility?

Refer to accomplishments. If you haven't had budget responsibility, say so, but refer to an accomplishment that demonstrates the same skill.

What's the most difficult situation you ever faced on the job?

Remember, you're talking to a prospective employer, not your best friend. Don't dredge up a catastrophe that resulted in a personal or corporate failure. Be ready for this question by thinking of a story that has a happy ending – happy for you and your company. Never digress into personal or family difficulties, and don't talk about problems you've had with supervisors or peers. You might discuss a difficult situation with a subordinate, provided that the issues were resolved inventively and to everyone's satisfaction.

Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines?

Refer to accomplishments. Everyone has had a few of these pressure situations in a career. Behavior-related questions aim at assessing a candidate's character, attitude, and personality traits by asking for an account of how the candidate handled certain challenging situations. Plan for such questions by making a list of the desirable traits relevant to the needs of the industry or prospective employer and by preparing some job-related stories about your experience that demonstrate a range of those traits and habits of conduct. Before answering the questions, listen carefully and ask any clarifying questions you think necessary. Tell your story and conclude by explaining what you intended your story to illustrate. Finally, ask for feedback: “Does this tell you what you need to know?”

How do you handle rejection?

Rejection is part of business. People don't always buy what you sell. The tick here is to separate rejection of your product from rejection of yourself: “I see rejection as an opportunity. I learn from it. When a customer takes a pass, I ask him what we could do to the product, price or service to make it possible for him to say yes. Don't get me wrong: You've got to makes sales. But rejection is valuable, too. It's a good teacher.”

In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?

Refer to accomplishments

Give an example of your creativity.

Refer to accomplishments.

Give examples of your leadership abilities.

Draw examples from accomplishments.

What are your career goals?

Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Your career goals should mesh with the hiring company goals.

What position do you expect to have in two years?

Just say you wish to exceed objectives so well that you will be on a promotable track.

What are your objectives?

(How does the person handle stress? What is their confidence level?)
Refer back to question #48 on goals.

Why should we hire you?

This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, it's a call for help. The employer wants you to help him/her hire you. Keep your response brief. Recap any job requirements the interviewer may have mentioned earlier in the interview, then, point by point, match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those items. Relate a past experience which represents success in achieving objectives which may be similar to those of the prospective employer.

You may be over-qualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.

“A strong company needs a strong person.” An employer will get faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.

Why haven't you found a new position before now?

“Finding the right job takes time. I'm not looking for just any job.”

If you could start again, what would you do differently?

No need to be self-revealing. “Hindsight is 20/20; everyone would make some changes, but I've learned and grown from all my decisions.”

How much do you expect if we offer this position to you?

Be careful. If you don't know the market value, return the question by saying that you would expect a fair salary based on the job responsibilities, your experience and skills and the market value of the job. Express your interest in the job because it fits your career goals – Receptive to a reasonable and competitive offer – don't talk $'s. It's always best to put off discussing salary and let PPR Career handle that. ANSWER: I'm open to a competitive offer. I'd prefer to discuss the opportunity and allow my recruiter to handle any salary questions.

Choosing a career is an involved process that is based on a number of things, including your interests, skills, work-related values, and personality. You might want to meet with a career development professional , i.e. career counselor or career development facilitator. A career development professional will use various tools to help you evaluate your interests, personality, skills, and values. This is called a self assessment . He or she will then show you how all these things, combined, play a role in choosing a career.

If finances are an issue, don't let that keep you from getting the help you need. Check with your public library since some offer career planning help. Also check with local colleges and universities. Most have career development offices which may offer services to members of the community. Programs that train career counselors often have students work with members of the community in order to gain experience. There are self assessment tools you can use on your own. Many are available online .

What you should end up with is a list of suitable careers based on your self assessment. Obviously you can't do everything on your list, nor will you want to. Here's where you need to do some research. You should begin to gather information about these careers which will include a job description, outlook for the field (will you be able to find a job), and required training and education. When you have narrowed down your choices to just a few, then you should investigate even further, perhaps conducting some informational interviews with those working in the field. You can now make an educated decision about what career to pursue

Don't rush your resume:

Although a resume is a short document, it takes a long time to write as every word counts! Make sure you start your resume with plenty of advance time before you plan to send it. Rushing through a resume results in spelling and formatting mistakes that can be deadly when received by an employer!

Keep it relevant

Your resume should focus on the job you are hoping to get. Emphasize those experiences and skills that you think the employer will be seeking. You do not need to include everything you have ever done. Unless you have attended a prestigious private school, avoid including information from high school. (If you are an underclass student, it is more acceptable to include information from high school.)

Keep it short

Limit your resumes to two pages. (Once again, think relevance!). Make sure the most important information is on the first page and that your resume is two full pages.

Prepare a well-organized and professional resume

Your resume is an advertisement for yourself. It should be organized, neat, laser-printed, and free of spelling and other errors.

Be consistent

Your resume should be consistent in organization, punctuation, and verb tense.

Be honest

While you want to present yourself in the most positive light possible, don't exaggerate your experiences. Make sure what you report is an accurate reflection of your experiences.

Avoid abbreviations

Because your resume is a professional document, abbreviations should generally be avoided. Only very well known abbreviations should be used (IBM, AT&T).

Use action verbs

Action verbs help the employer to view you as a dynamic and effective person. (Action verbs are words such as supervised, trained, increased, wrote, translated, etc.) Avoid passive phrases such as "responsible for" and "handled."

Communicate your skills

Be aware of the concrete skills you can offer an employer and communicate these talents on your resume. Some skills that you may want to highlight are: computer knowledge, language proficiency, research methodology, writing skills, technical skills, etc.