Preparing for job interviews can be scary and stressful on both sides of the table. The interviewer and interviewee have the same common goal; they both want to make the best possible choice (the interviewer wants the best possible candidate for the job and the interviewee wants the best suited position).

Lately, I have received some extremely poor reports from upper-management clients conducting job interviews. Their concerns stem from the lack of organisation most applicants are displaying before and during the interviewing process. Some of the most common concerns and complaints they have had to contend with are: Mediocre job applications. Applicants are not filling in the job applications properly. Moreover, the applications they are screening lately generally have a tendency to skip, avoid or just ignore the principal and/or predominate qualifications listed in the classified advertisement that is essentially needed in order to perform the job.

Applicants are showing up for interview totally unprepared. One manager shared that the applicant did not even know the job title they were applying for, whilst another said that another applicant was not sure what the company did.

Applicants not dressed in professional manner. Dressing too casual. Men with baggy pants or jeans, ladies with too much cleavage exposed.

Applicants too negative... complaints of former employers, co-workers, pay-scale etc, won't win you points in an interview.

It is extremely important for you to fill out the job application carefully and accurately. This is your prospective employer's first impression of you and if not filled out correctly, yours may sadly and unnecessarily not be considered. More than likely you won't even be granted the privilege of a face to face interview. Fill in the blanks. Read the classified advert carefully and make sure to include in your application your qualifications as related to needs of the job position.

Do your homework. Research the company and the position before your interview.

If it's a public company, read the business stock reports to see how the company is doing, become familiar with the company advertising patterns, and be prepared to asked questions in regards to the company's present standing.

Dress appropriately. Think carefully of the image you want to present. A conservative suit for either female or male is acceptable. Save the flamboyant outfits for the socials after you've landed the job.

Show confidence, hold your head high, sit upright and don't slouch in your chair. Be confident about your responses and maintain eye-contact with your interviewer. Ask questions about the position and the company. This shows your interest in the position and also demonstrates your self-confidence.

Remember the interviewer will ask traditional questions such as: Why do you want to work for us? Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses.

Tell me about a goal you failed to achieve.

Can you give me specifics about how you managed several projects at the same time? Why are you looking for a new job? How do you best describe yourself? Or... How would your co-workers describe you? In answering these questions you should recall instances of prior job related experiences. Don't forget your volunteer work experiences examples, they too can be used to reply to the interviewer's questions. Have a family member or friend coach you before an interview. You will be amazed at what you can learn from such valuable role playing situations.

Remember we all have to fit an entire image package when going through a job interview. Proper organising, including preparedness, research and a positive attitude have proven successful in relieving the jitters we all experience before, during and after job interviews.

Cindy Swan is a Professional Organizer with over 20 years of office administrative managerial experience and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Her column appears in the business section on the first and third Thursday of each month. Address inquiries to Cindy Swan, PO Box 304 St. George's GEBX or email her at organize yibl.bm