On the day of the job interview
Step 1...
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and make the journey.
- Dress smartly and make sure you are clean and tidy – the interviewer will notice how you look.
- Arrive on time – about 15 minutes before your appointment. This helps you remain calm and your mind focused on the interview itself.
Step 2...
- Smile when you enter the room – it will help you feel more confident and tells the interviewer you are pleased to be there.
- Shake hands with the interviewer if it is offered.
Step 3...
- Look at the person who is talking to you (sit up straight don’t slouch), good eye contact shows that you are listening and interested in what they are saying.
- Try to stay calm and relaxed – it will help you listen well to the questions, think about your answers and speak clearly. If you bring notes with you, try and keep them to one side of A4.
- Try not to fidget.
Step 4...
- Speak clearly to make sure that your answers can be heard.
- Listen carefully to the questions. Ask them to repeat or explain it if you are not sure. Don’t interrupt.
- Take your time and think of your answer before you say it. Short silences are not a problem.
- Give good examples and explanations in your answers and avoid saying just ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
- Tell the truth, untruths are found out in the end.
- Show enthusiasm and interest in the tone of your voice. Nerves often make the voice go flat and quiet.
- Be positive about yourself, this job and earlier ones – you have a lot to offer. Remember you would not have been invited to the interview if they weren’t interested in giving you the job.
- Use the interviewers name when it is appropriate.
- Have the questions that you wish to ask ready.
Step 5...
- Thank them for their time at the end of the interview and shake their hand.
- Make sure that you know when they will let you know if you have been successful.
