A job interview is a meeting organized by a recruiter used to evaluate a potential employee for prospective employment at a company. Job interviews typically precede a hiring decision and often form part of the assessment centre process.

Interviews are your chance to sell your skills and abilities. They also give you a chance to find out if the job and company are right for you. Follow the tips here to ace your interviews.

Job Interview Etiquette Tips

How you dress, what you bring to a job interview, how you manage your time, how you greet the interviewer, and how you communicate can all make a big difference in the outcome of the interview.

Review these job interview etiquette tips for before, during and after a job interview, to ensure that your job interview etiquette is up to speed and you're making the best impression on the interviewer.

What to wear to a job interview.

When you are dressing for a job interview the image you present is really important. Your image is what makes the first impression on the interviewer and that first impression is the one that sticks so it's important to dress appropriately when going for an interview.

Regardless of the type of job you're interested in, you want that first impression to be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire. If you're applying for a job in a more casual environment, like a store or restaurant, it's still important to be neat, tidy and well-groomed and to present a positive image to the employer.

When to get to a job interview.

It's important to arrive a few minutes early, or on time, at the latest, for a job interview. Know where you're going, how much travel time you need, and how to get to the interview location. Check out the logistics ahead of time so you ensure that you're not late.

Giving yourself a bit of extra time will give you an opportunity to stop in the rest room and freshen up, if need be, to make sure you don't have any hair, make-up or wardrobe malfunctions. A few extra minutes will also give you an opportunity to catch your breath and stay calm. An interview is even more stressful than normal if you're rushing to get there on time.

How to greet the interviewer.

When you arrive at a job interview, introduce yourself to the receptionist, if there is one. Let him or her know who you are and who you are scheduled to meet with.

Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and introduce yourself. Be prepared for a little small talk, but don't overdo it. Follow the interviewer's lead and let them guide the direction of the conversation.

Responding to interview questions

When you respond to interview questions, listen carefully to the questions, take time to phrase your responses, and ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you're not sure what they are asking.

Be brief and don't ramble when you respond. However, be sure that your responses answer the questions, are focused, and highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job.

Keep in mind that your responses are your sales pitch. You're selling yourself to the interviewer as the best candidate for the job, so be sure you focus on your relevancy i.e. why you are a good candidate, how you can do the job, what you can contribute and how you will benefit the company if you're hired.

During the interview watch your body language and make eye contact as you articulate your points.

Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don't lean back or slump in your chair. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay attention and look interested.

Listen and ask questions

During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you're not paying attention, you're not going to be able to give a good response.

It's important to listen to the interviewer, to pay attention and to take time if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer.

Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take type of conversation, so you're building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just giving rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer.

Towards the end of the interview let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.