Preparing for interview success

Performing successfully in an interview is mostly down to common sense. However keeping the following checklist in mind might help to give you the edge…

Preparing for the interview

• Demonstrate your commitment and interest by researching the company as much as you can.

• Review the job description and ensure you have relevant examples in mind to demonstrate your ability to do this job.

• Anticipate questions you're likely to be asked and prepare answers in advance.

• Make sure you know how to get to the venue for the interview, and plan your journey in advance to ensure you arrive punctually. Have the phone number of the liaison to hand just in case you’re delayed by unforeseen eventualities.

Body language pointers for interviews

• When you arrive make sure you greet the interviewer(s) with a firm and confident handshake.

• Walk deliberately and tall on entering the room.

• During the interview avoid looking down. Maintain an appropriate level of eye contact, but remember it’s not a staring contest!

• Have a positive manner and show you’re listening with interest.

• Relax with every breath and avoid fidgeting or hurried movements.

Things to do at a job interview

• Introduce yourself courteously. Show tact, good manners and maturity at every opportunity.

• Express yourself clearly and be assertive without being aggressive.

• Aim to come across as self-assured and poised. The ability to handle your nerves during the interview will come across as confidence in your ability to handle the job.

• Be prepared to show how your experience would benefit the company.

• Demonstrate that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the team and the organisation as a whole.

• Towards the end of the interview, take the time to thank your interviewer(s) for their time.

Things to avoid at a job interview

• Never make excuses for failings.

• Don’t give vague responses to questions.

• Try not to say unfavorable things about previous employers.

• Don’t show too much concern about rapid advancement.

• It’s best not to put too much emphasis on money. Your current goal is to sell yourself to the interviewer(s) and get an offer of employment. Your salary can be discussed later.

• Don’t mention any reservations you may have about the role or the company. You can always turn down the offer of the job or a second interview later, after you’ve had time to weigh up your concerns in the light of your interview experience.

Your interview questions

• Remember, an interview is a two-way process. Take the opportunity to find out more about the company and the role to see whether this is really the right position for you.

• Prepare questions in advance and, at the end, ask those that haven’t been answered during the course of the interview. To encourage a flowing, conversational interview you could ask a few open questions earlier on – questions beginning with 'What', 'How', 'Where', 'Who' or 'Will'.

We’d be happy to discuss questions and answers to bear in mind for a specific role we’re putting you forward for, so please get in touch.