It is now important that you impress your potential employer with your interview skills. Be prepared and remember to enjoy your interview, show your enthusiasm and confidence. The following guidelines will be sure to assist you in this:
- Be prepared – ensure you have the correct date, time and you know the name and job title of who is interviewing you. Make sure you have made all the necessary travel arrangements and leave plenty of time to get there. It looks unprofessional to be late and you will be flustered, not the start you need… You can use the spare time before the interview to read over your preparation notes, soak up the atmosphere in the company reception or chat with the receptionist who may be able to give you some more information about the company.
- Be positive, confident and friendly – Greet your interviewer by name, deliver a firm handshake and remember to smile!
- Appearance – first impressions count and a smart appearance creates the right impression. Also your body language will speak volumes… Throughout the interview maintain eye contact and hold yourself upright, this also applies when you are seated.
- Do your homework – thoroughly research the companies background. This will demonstrate your interest and seriousness about the company and the role. You can do so through the company website, research the employers competitors, be aware of topical issues affecting the employers industry. This will be sure to reflect you in the right light. Don’t forget to re-familiarise yourself with the Job Description so you know exactly what is expected of the ideal candidate.
- Listen to your interviewer – that way you will be able to understand the questions being asked of you. Provide answers that relate back to the Job Description and to the relevant experience on your CV. Give specific examples where you can. Don’t panic when faced with a question that you can’t immediately think of an answer for. Take your time. It is important not to waffle or provide a wrong answer to a question.
- Anticipate likely questions (please refer to our Possible Interview Questions section). By preparing answers to possible interview questions, you will be in the mind-set of being able to successfully answer interview questions. Also show that you are interested by preparing questions to ask the interviewer.
- Be positive – it does not create the right impression being negative about a previous or current employer. Don’t mention salary unless the employer brings up the subject. Don’t be too over-familiar, remain professional and this extends to the vocabulary you use.
- You can end your interview by asking when you can expect to hear back from the employer. Thank the interviewer for their time, deliver a firm handshake and say you look forward to hearing from them.
Employers are impressed by candidates who do their homework, are confident, friendly and demonstrate through their answers that they have a good grasp and understanding of the company, role, and what is expected of the successful candidate – we hope our guidelines assist you in being the successful candidate by being offered the role, good luck from Gotcha!