Are you someone who is looking for a new job or exploring the employment atmosphere and the possibility of finding a new industry to invest your time, education, experience and skills in? Are you an employer or human resources manager who wants to conduct employment interviews correctly and professionally and locate the cream of the crop job applicants to hire? It is essential for both employment candidates and hiring personnel to be on the ball during the interview process and the process of preparing for an interview. This article discusses how both parties can be professional and hold a magnificent job interview.

How Job Applicants Should Prepare for an Interview

Read books pertaining to looking and interviewing for a job to discover everything you must know. Never attend your interview without conducting online or physical research on the company, no matter what type of company it is. Spend at least one or two days practicing answering potential interview questions alone or with someone else. Know your resume inside out and always take a copy to the interview just in case you are asked for it. Work on honing the skills that are related to the line of work you seek from time to time.

Do not attend your interview with a book bag or backpack - it is best to bring your resume, portfolio and writing utensils inside a small hand bag or a professional briefcase or attach. One of the worst things you can do is arrive to your interview late; therefore, it is imperative to make an early trip just in case the place is hidden or hard to find. If you receive a telephone call from a prospective employer for an interview, sit up straight, smile and talk energetically and enthusiastically.

How Employers Should Prepare for an Interview

Your first task should be to concentrate on finding the right people to interview. Look to interview a candidate who is probably exceptional and pays astute attention to detail. For example, a candidate who submits a flawless cover letter and resume and responds to the help-wanted advertisement you posted by doing everything you asked will probably put a lot of care into the position and closely follow instructions on a frequent basis.

Try to schedule an interview with someone who is enthusiastic and professional. Pay attention to how a candidate talks to you over the telephone. Void scheduling an interview with a candidate whose answering machine plays a crazy message.

How an Applicant Should Interview

Do not eat food or chew gum. Sit up straight. Smile genuinely. Exhibit proper manners. Cover your mouth while you belch, sneeze or yawn. "Excuse me," you should say following a belch. Only speak when asked. Do not provide vague or long responses. Wear the full business attire employers expect from candidates.

Do not attend the interview having a musky, sweaty or tobacco smoke odor. Do not convey nervousness. Do not inquire about pay. Provide a firm hand shake. Pay attention to the office surroundings and make a friendly comment. If the interviewer has a picture of her family on her desk or wall, ask how her family is doing.

Show a sincere interest in the position. Make frequent eye contact. Ask what a typical day on the job is like. Ask how soon you can start. Ask for a business card. Send a thank-you note within the next day and make a follow-up call within a week.

How an Employer Should Interview

Dress professionally to show the applicant you are serious yourself. Offer to shake the applicant's hand before and after the interview. Treat the applicant with warmth and courtesy. Do not be nosy and ask the applicant about his age, sexuality or marriage status. Ask the applicant what she knows about your company and industry. Ask her what she has to offer and why she wants to work for you. If applicable, test her skills and personality.

Follow these steps to interview well as a job applicant or employer!

Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com