interview tips

Before the Interview

• Research the job. They may use a Job Description and Person Specification to decide on the qualities of the ideal candidate. It helps if you can get copies of these. If the job was advertised, try to work out from the advertisement what their requirements are likely to be.
• Research the company - familiarise yourself with any information you have gathered from their website, your contacts, company literature, company directories, trade journals, newspaper articles, etc. 
• Research the interview - how many interviewers? Will you have to undertake assessments? 
• Think about what questions you are likely to be asked and practice your answers. You may be asked questions that will require you to cite examples to support your answers.  
• Make a list of questions you want to ask. 
• Choose smart and appropriate clothing. You need to feel comfortable, so whatever you wear should be professional, neat and tidy. Dress conservatively rather than in the latest trend or fashion.

First Impressions

• Arrive ten minutes prior to scheduled interview time
• Make sure you are polite and friendly to the receptionist because they are often asked for their impressions of the candidates 
• Use the time to read any literature on the company, so have a last look at the information you have on the job 
• Relax - breathe deeply 
• When you go in, smile and say 'Good Morning' or 'Good Afternoon' 
• Shake hands with the interviewer 
• Use the interviewer's name if you can 
• Look the interviewer in the eye - without staring! 
• Don't be put off by the interviewer taking notes, that's normal

During the Interview

• Relax
• Speak clearly and stick to the point 
• Avoid folding your arms 
• Smile and appear interested 
• Listen carefully to what the interviewer asks or tells you 
• Be friendly and allow your humour to show, without getting carried away 
• Show you are prepared for the interview by referring to what you have found out about the job and the company 
• Pause and think before your answer 
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question 
• Expand your answer with examples rather than just saying yes or no 
• Give examples to back up your claims if you can 
• Sell yourself - be positive about your skills and achievements 
• Avoid criticising previous employers or colleagues Ask relevant questions 
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time 
• Make sure you know what happens next - whether there is another interview, when you can expect a decision, etc

Key Points to Remember when Answering Questions

• Avoid straight yes/no answers when you can
• Listen carefully to the question 
• Speak clearly and stick to the point 
• Avoid rambling and being vague 
• Show the interviewer you have prepared by bringing in your knowledge of the job and the company 
• Check if you have given the interviewer enough information
  e.g. 'would you like to know a bit more about that?' 
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question 
• Give examples to back up your claims where you can 
• Take time to think before answering 
• Be positive about your skills and achievements