Congratulations! You have been invited to an interview. That means the company is interested in you and what you have written about yourself. Now it's time to prepare yourself for making a good impression!

If you don't have much work experience, the employer will probably want to know other examples of your leadership and initiative abilities and other important skills. Make sure you can show examples of this by listing your extracurricular activities, relevant projects, and other performances.

Here are some useful basic interview tips:

Do your homework

Before you go to the interview, research the company and the position as well as the people you will meet with. Search engines, Wikipedia, and social networking websites are a great resource! However, be aware that recruiters might do their homework, too. So better google yourself and delete public party pictures on Facebook that should better be kept private. Review your work experience and be ready to support past career undertakings with specific information targeted towards the company's needs.

An Expert's Opinion

Kathrin Mink Head of HR-Marketing Capgemini Consulting "What do we look for in interviews with graduates? In addition to the typical requirements such as analytical and quantitative skills, we also focus on the personality of the applicant. All Capgemini consultants have certain basic traits in common that differentiates them from employees of other consultancies: modesty, good manners, positive appearance and charisma."

Rehearse

Find good answers for at least the general questions that might come up. Try to make your answers match information your new employer will be interested in. Here are examples of some of the basic questions that might arise:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What do you know about our company?
• Why should we hire you?
• What can you do for us that someone else can't?
• What do you look for in a job?
• Why are you looking for a new career?
• What are your expectations if we offer you this job?
• What are your career goals?
• What are your strong points?
• What are your weak points?
• Do you have any questions for me?

Body language

Body language says a lot about who you are as a person and how you portray yourself. Thus, sit upright and listen actively, i.e., nodding and maintaining eye contact with your interviewer. This will show your interest in the job.

Appearance

You want to get a job in a professional surrounding, so look the part! Be sure to wear appropriate clothing. What to wear depends on where the interview will take place. When in doubt a suit will usually be appropriate. Just make sure it's neither too flashy nor too casual. An be sure your shoes are clean and not too old as a lot of recruiters pay special attention to them.

Be positive

In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers or co-workers.

Relate

Try to relate your answer to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position your applying for.

Encourage

Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest by asking questions about the company and your future position, e.g.:

• Why is this position open?
• What would you like me to have done in the next three months?
• What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?
• What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances, etc.?