These tried and tested tips will help you to show yourself at your best during a job interview.
Think about the company: review the research you did when you applied for the job; check their website and others for up-to-date news; re-read the job advertisement; think about the questions you might want to ask them.
Think about yourself: review your application, think about the skills you can offer and some examples to back this up; prepare some answers to commonly asked questions. Imagine yourself in the job: this will help you to be convincing about your ‘fit’ for the role.
Practise: rehearse answering interview questions. Get a friend or careers adviser to play the role of the interviewer. Try out some calming and confidence techniques.
Practical: check the location and how to get there; check that your interview suit is clean.
Review the preparation that you have done, and revise your particular strengths for the job.
Realise that they think you can do the job – you would not have an interview otherwise.
Then clear your mind by taking a brisk walk, concentrating on another task, taking a relaxing bath or listening to music.
Relax, and get a good night’s sleep.
Be friendly and courteous. Initial impressions are important: you never know who you might be talking to.
Leave your coat at reception, and freshen up before you enter the interview room.
Make eye-contact, have a firm handshake, and smile.
Take time to think before you answer a question.
Appreciate others’ points of view.
Listen closely, showing you are responsive to the interviewer’s questions.
Be prepared to elaborate on something the interviewer seems to be interested in; keep things short if they don’t. If you are asked a question which demands a yes or no answer, do not leave it at that – provide some supporting information.
Have ready some questions of your own.
Remember the interviewers are not there to interrogate you. It’s in their best interests to put you at ease and bring out the best in you.
An interview is not just about the employer assessing you: it’s also about you assessing the employer. It’s not an exam that you pass or fail – it’s a chance to find out if you and the job make a good ‘fit’.