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Prepare
• Do your homework on the company. On your interview confirmation letter should be details of the company’s website (if one exists). Take time to read this in full, print out their ‘about us’ page, read this again just before going in for the interview. If time allows phone the company to request a brochure. Basically, the more you know about the company, the more they will be impressed with you, guaranteed.
• Know exactly where they are. If possible even do the journey the night before.
First Impressions
• Don’t be late! Try to get to the company about 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time. However, if you are unavoidably late make sure you have the company’s telephone number to hand and phone them at least 15 minutes before you were due to attend.
• Unless otherwise advised always endeavour to wear a business suit. Even if you wouldn’t normally wear this dress in the role you are interviewing for it shows respect and effort.
If you need to attend the interview in your work clothes (mainly for engineers) it is advisable to ask the consultant to forewarn the client. • Be polite and friendly to everyone in the company. Although receptionists and secretaries are not normally in the interview, their opinions on candidates are often asked. • When first meeting the interviewer always give a firm, confident handshake, maintain eye contact, smile and relax! The Interview
• Body language can play a large part in the way you present yourself. Try to maintain a good posture (don’t slouch!) and avoid fidgeting as this suggests nervousness. • Don’t waffle but try to avoid yes and no answers as well. A good compromise would be to give a relevant example of a situation or experience that confirms your answers. Occasionally ending your answer with a question of your own is also advised as this shows interest in your interviewer and their company. • Show that you are a good listener as well as a good orator. If there is more than one interviewer present try to switch your glance between them regularly. • Don’t be too negative about your current or past employers. If you have decided to leave many companies be prepared to give reasons why and, if appropriate, give positive reasons such as ‘career development’ or ‘more responsibility’. • Have questions prepared. Asking about things such as the background or future plans of the company would be advised whereas questions such as the length of lunch breaks or policy on sick pay should definitely be avoided on first interview. Post Interview
• Always thank the interviewer for seeing you and if possible follow this up with a letter or email once again thanking the interviewer for their time and, if appropriate, expressing your interest in the role and reasons why you feel you could be a success in the position. To conclude, interviews are not something to be feared but be aware of common pitfalls as outlined.
Most importantly BE PREPARED, be confident and be yourself.
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