When replying to a job posting, you need first to send your resume together with a cover letter. The cover letter has to express your interest for the job and provide a comprehensive description of your skills and experiences which could be relevant to the position you are applying for. This will make the hiring manager or the human resource personnel to notice your application and call you for an interview.

One of the interview tips and technique which Interview Consulting would like to share with you is how to make a good cover letter. Since the cover letter is the first thing seen by the employer, its contents should present yourself in a good light, it should ideally encourage the prospective employer to read your enclosed resume and consider you for the job interview.

As part of our interview coaching we are pleased to share these best tips in writing cover letters:

• Address your cover letter to the specific person who is responsible for the job hiring. Make sure that you have the correct name and job title of the person whom you address in your cover letter.  If you do not know the name of the person to appropriately address your cover letter, do research or call the company and ask the HR department. You should only use generic addresses like “The Personnel in Charge” as a last resort.
•  In the opening paragraph state the specific job position you are applying and how did you know about the hiring.
• The second paragraph has to show how your qualifications and experiences are tailored fit for the job and how your working with them will be advantageous to the company. Highlight your skills, achievements and qualities that will make you stand out and make the employer grant you a job interview.
• In your third paragraph indicate that you are enclosing your resume. An important interview tip is to mention your interest to meet with the employer and specify your availability for the interview.

A job interview is your best opportunity to communicate to an employer why you are perfect for the position you are applying for, which is why getting a job interview is a step closer on landing that job. But before you will be granted an interview, your cover letter and resume must capture the attention of the hiring manager first. Thus, make sure that your cover letter is brief but highlights your skills and experiences so you will have a great chance of getting a job interview.

Going for a job interview is not a normal everyday event. You must come prepared and confident. First impression is important as well as your confidence.

Many applicants did not land the job they want simply because they did not prepare well enough for the interview or they appear too confident that it puts off the interviewers. There are certain etiquettes or rules to follow before, during and after an interview. Gaining the proper information about these interview etiquette tips can let you be the leader among all the candidates.

Here are some Interview Consulting basic but important job interview rules and etiquette:

• Arrive a few minutes before time. Days before the interview, do your research on how to get to your appointed place for the interview. Take note of time of travel, traffic situation and alternative routes. Arriving a few minutes before schedule can lead to important moments to freshen up, straighten your clothes, feel more relaxed, study your Interview pitch or go over your Resume.

• Dress properly for the occasion. Wearing business attire is the best interview attire. First impressions last so better make the best out of it. You don’t need to be fancy just to look good. For guys, black leather shoes, dark pants, long sleeved shirt with tie and a coat will do. For girls, it is best to come in classic office attire or pants, blouse and shoes. Avoid wearing overpowering accessories and jewelries. Do not put lots of make up or spray too much perfume.

• Bring extra copies of your Resume and other important documents.

• Turn off your cell phones. Some interviewers might be annoyed or think you are unprofessional when your phone suddenly rings in the middle of an interview. They might think that it is a sign of disrespect for the interview and that might cost you the job.

• Study the art of the handshake. Let the interviewers extend their hands first. Do not offer a limp hand shake rather; give a firm but not so tight hand shake.

• Once called, greet every one who is inside the room. Let every one take their seats, and let them offer you to be seated. Once seated, sit up straight and do not slouch.

• Avoid moving to much. Some interviewers can sense nervousness just by simply looking for the person’s body language.

• Only give the best and honest answers in answering interview questions. Do not give negative comments about your previous jobs or former colleagues.

Here at Interview Consulting, we give you all the valuable interview techniques to improve your interview skills. We will help you on your interview preparations so that you can be confident in answering interview questions as well as looking good and confident during your job interview.