This is your big chance. How are you going to ensure that you do all you possibly can to get the job? The interview is your chance to shine. Your aim of attending the interview should be with the sole purpose of getting the job offer.
First impressions are vital. The way you look, the way you speak and the things that you say will determine whether you are successful.
The following tips below will help you do justice to yourself in the interview situation and greatly improve your chances of getting the job.
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Research
Know about the company and the job. Prior to the interview use the website or obtain company literature and read through the job description and person specification.
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Dress Smartly
Dress and groom appropriately. Wear clothes that are appropriate to the industry/job. For office work business suits should be worn.
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Be Punctual
Arrive 10 minutes early. Prepare your route beforehand and allow yourself good time. This will give you time to prepare and relax.
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Be Friendly
First impressions count! Meet and greet. Greet your interviewer with a smile, and firm handshake. Give eye contact. Try and make small talk during the walk from the reception area to the interview room.
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Ask Questions
Prepare a minimum of 5 questions. These may be about the organisation, the job, training, benefits, progression etc. At the end of the interview the interviewer may ask you if you have any questions. If not, make sure you ask questions to show that you are prepared, are interested in the job and that the job and organisation is right for you. It's not just about whether you are right for the organisation but also whether they are right for you. Whether you can see yourself working there.
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Be Interested In The Interviewer
Ask how long they have worked for the organisation, how much contact the job involves with them etc.
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Body Language
During the interview maintain good eye contact, don't fold your arms and lean back or look to the floor or out of the window! Sit upright, try and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer... don't stare at them.
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Clarify If You Need To
If you're unsure what is meant by a particular question ask for clarification. Also if you're unsure how to answer a particular question ask if you can move on and come back to it later.
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Next Stages
At the end of the interview ask the interviewer if there is anything else that they need further clarification on, have you answered all their questions? Ask when you are likely to hear if you have been successful or not.
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State That You Want The Job
Actually let the interviewer know that you want the job and that you could be a success in the role.
Good luck!
