To make the best possible impression, browse through our 12 job interview tips. This information will give you an advantage when applying for jobs and going through the job interview process in today's competitive markets.   

Always send a cover letter when sending your CV to a recruiter. It's a professional must! Why? Well, you want to use your cover letter to introduce yourself, and to tell the recruiter why you are applying and why you should be considered for the open position.

Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. In addition, find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports, newspapers and of course the internet. Also ask your recruiter as many questions about the company and the job as you can think of.

Even if the company has an informal dress code, check with your recruiter to see what they require. When in doubt you need to dress conservatively for the interview. Men should wear dark suits or tailored pants and collared shirts and polished, businesslike shoes; women should wear skirt or pants suits and closed-toe shoes. Women must avoid wearing mini-skirts or see-through tops. Also, remove all visible body piercing (other than one set of earrings for women)

Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behaviour. Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder. Research the route, transport and parking options in advance and allow plenty of time.

Smile and say hello to everyone. First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. A positive reaction from support staff is an important factor in the evaluation.

Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. Such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained someone, etc.

Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your views..

Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer won’t accept them as valid.

A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small talk.

By the conclusion of the interview, if you are interested in the position, state this to the person interviewing you and enquire about what is the next step in the process.

Establish your objective before the job interview, for example, do you want to secure a second interview or an offer? Try and achieve this by asking questions such as "Do you think my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse, reveals obstacles to overcome.

The Specialized Group would like to help you to successfully advance your career. We've spent over 27 years interviewing and have compiled a list of the top 10 most common job interview questions, together with effective, appropriate responses. Be prepared, be yourself and make sure you're ready to answer some tough questions.

While all interviews are different, it's important that you are able to answer questions interviewers often ask. The following examples provide a framework into which you can apply your specific background, interests and aptitudes.

No. 2 - "Why are you leaving your current position?"

This is a very critical question. Don't bad mouth your previous employer or co-workers or sound too opportunistic. It's fine to mention major problems, a buy-out or a shutdown. You may want to state that after long personal consideration, your chance to make a contribution is very low due to extensive company-wide changes.

No. 3 - "Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?"

Pick two or three main factors about the job and about yourself that are most relevant. Discuss for two minutes, including specific details. You may mention a technical skill, an attribute and/or a personal success story.

No. 4 - "What do you like/dislike most about your current or last position?"

The interviewer is trying to determine compatibility with the open position. Be careful; don't say you dislike overtime, like management, or get too detailed. It's safe to say that you like challenges, pressure situations, opportunities to grow, or that you dislike bureaucracy and frustrating situations.

No. 5 - "What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself five or ten years from now?"

Be realistic! Pie-in-the-sky goals label you as immature. One or two management jumps in 3-5 years is a reasonable goal. If your track record indicates you're in line for senior management in 10 years, then mention it. If you've had a rocky road, be introspective.

An interview is a two-way process. You need to know as much about what the company has to offer as the interviewer needs to know about you. Ask pertinent questions - ones that will provide the information you need to thoroughly assess the job and the company.

Questions might include:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities and major accountabilities of the position?
• Why is the position open?
• How would my performance be evaluated?
• To whom do I directly report?
• What are some challenges I might encounter in this position?
• What are the company's plans for growth?
• What are some current issues and challenges facing the company?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this position?
• Is there a formal training program?

Thank You Note

Very soon after the interview, it's critical that you send a brief note to everyone with whom you spoke, thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the job and the company. The thank-you note is not a vehicle by which to remarket yourself, but rather an opportunity to further your relationship by reinforcing your understanding of the position and your ability to excel in the role. This letter also allows you to demonstrate your communication and relationship-building skills. Email is best for sending thank you letters and the content should be short.