An interview is a two way process. It is your chance to prove to an employer that you are the right person for a job. It is also your chance to discover whether the job is right for you. Everyone suffers from interview nerves, but by preparing sensibly for an interview you can greatly improve you chance of securing your ideal job.


Preparation    

• Plan your journey – allow plenty of time to get to your interview and plan your route. If you are going to be late, make sure you call and inform the interviewer.
• Dress for success – presenting a professional image is important and first impressions do count. Wear a suit in a subdued colour e.g. navy, black or grey and ensure you look smart and tidy.
• Be prepared – find out all you can about the organisation. Is it a public or private company? Who are its competitors? Does it have subsidiaries? What are its products? Company brochures and websites are often good sources of information.
• Think of answers to potential questions you may be asked.

Most interviewers will want to know:

• why have you applied for the job?
• what skills and experience do you have to offer?
• why you are better than other candidates?
• will you fit in?

The Interview    

• Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm dry handshake.
• Try and develop a rapport with the interviewer.
• If you are being interviewed by more than one person, glance at the other interviewers to involve them in your response.
• Be aware of your body language. It can tell the interviewer a lot more about you than your CV. Make sure you look the interviewer in the eye; sit only when invited to; acknowledge the interviewer’s comments with nods; smile and do not gesticulate excessively.
• Be positive and enthusiastic – never badmouth a previous employer or colleagues even if you have good reason to. Listen carefully to what you are being asked; it will help to focus your answers.
• Try to find out when you will hear the outcome of the interview.

After the Interview

• Critically appraise your performance – are there any areas where you could have performed better?
• Could you answer all the questions and back your answers up with examples?
• Make a list of the type of questions you were asked and your answers – this will help if you are invited back to a second round.
• If you had to do the interview again, would you do anything differently?