Brilliant Interviews

No matter how well-qualified you are for a job, it's your attitude, personality and personal presentation that will make you stand out at interview.

However confident you may feel, it's worth having a review on these points to ensure that you get the best results from your interview..

• Get organised – be prepared. The 5 P's (Proper presentation prevents poor performance)
• Know who it is you are meeting, where the building is and how to get there
• Bring your contact details, spare CV, pen and notepad
• Research – find out about the company, visit the website
• Match yourself to the job and rehearse the reasons why you meet the criteria

Your first impression

• Find out what their dress code is and BE THE SAME (ask the recruiter)
• Remember that you're making an impression as soon as you walk through the door
• Be courteous to everyone, from the Receptionist to the MD – Impress ALL
• Look at all interviewers (if a panel) when greeting them, smile and carefully remember their names so you can address them throughout the interview
• If the sun is in your eyes or the chair is wobbly, or you need a glass of water. say something rather than squirm and fail to concentrate

Questions to you

• Relax but remain focused
• Listen carefully to the questions
• Think about your answers and how you want to express them
• Slow your normal speaking a fraction
• Use Body language - If you're enthusiastic about what you are saying, smile and let your hands do the talking
• If you said something you did not mean, rectify this by restating what you actually meant. Don't hold back, it could be your only chance to get the point across
• Be factual and honest about your strengths and weaknesses.
• If you get stuck, dont dwell for too long but politely ask if you can come back to it later

Ask the interviewer

• What support would I receive?
• How often are 1 to 1 reviews carried out ?
• What would my core responsibilities be?
• What on-going training or induction is given?
• What are the opportunities to progress within the company?
• Who is the best perfomer and what would I need to achieve to eclipse them?
  

Conclusion

• Ask what the next stage will be
• Find out how long it will take before you receive feedback
• Let them know that you are interested in working with them
• Thank your interviewer for his or her time and shake hands
• Remember to say a personal goodbye to each person present at the interview
  
• Leave as you entered the building and say good bye to everyone.