Whether this is your first interview or many of the following interviews you have attended, you want to ensure that you have prepare yourself professionally before going to the interview session. In hiring the most appropriate candidate, the interviewer will be assessing the individual's quality beyond your intellectual or working experiences. Personal characteristics such as motivation, maturity, and style of working are also accountable in the selection process.

As widely known, first impression is extremely crucial. Hence, what should we do and what should we avoid? Let's have a look.

The Do's

• Be yourself
  

• Dress appropriately
  

• Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. You can use any spare time to prepare yourself
  

• Appear confident and relax. One minute of deep abdominal breathing before the interview often helps
  

• Greet the interviewer politely
  

• Shake hands firmly
  

• Maintain eye contact

• Respond to the person who ask the question for single/panel interview
  

• Concentrate and listen carefully
  

• Highlight your strong points in a factual and sincere manner. Provide specific example of your abilities that demonstrate positive outcomes or achievements
  

• Indicate your interest in the job
  

The Don'ts

• Don't lie. Answer the questions truthfully and be direct
  

• Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Always elaborate whenever possible, especially for important information

• Don't respond in a general, vague, or hesitant manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make them realise the need for your capabilities in their organization. Project a sense of purpose and direction

• Don't over answer questions. The interviewer may street the conversation into politics or economics. It is best to answer the questions honestly. Try not to say more than is necessary

• Don't ever make a degrading remarks about your present or former employers

• Don't ask "What do you have to offer me?." Rather, "What I can offer you"

• Don't jump to conclusions, interrupt, or ignore anything that you don't wish to hear. If you do not understand any part of the question, clarify the point with the interviewer
  

• Don't mumble and be careful with your grammar. Speak clearly and beware of twitching and other nervous mannerism
  

In the end, there is never a better way of expressing yourself than just be who you are. Good Luck!