Interview Techniques

The thought of having an interview can be quite daunting but being well prepared can take away some of the pressures.  Also, it is worth remembering that an interview is a two way process – it is not only about the company deciding if they like you, it is also a chance for you to decide if you would like to work for the company.

Interviewers are not trying to 'catch you out' – they are trying to give you an opportunity to sell yourself.

Before the interview

• Phone the company to confirm the time, date and location of your interview.
• Plan how to get to your interview – if you are unsure of how long it will take you could do a 'dummy run'.
• Make sure that you arrive a few minutes early, don't be late.  If there is a chance though that you are going to be late, phone the company and let them know what time you expect to be there.
• Find out as much as you can about the business – explore the company website and read the newspapers for current events that may have an effect on the company.  This shows that you have a real interest in the company as a whole and it will give you plenty to talk about during the interview.
• Plan what you will wear and make sure it is clean and ironed.
• Try and anticipate the questions that you may be asked and practice your answers.
• Think of some questions that you would like to ask the interviewer.

During the interview

• Make sure your handshake is firm and confident.
• Be aware of your body language – make sure you sit properly, try to keep your hands away from your face and try not to fidget.  It is very important to maintain good eye contact with the people who are interviewing you.
• Show interest by acknowledging what is being said (gentle nodding may be a good way to demonstrate that you are listening).
• If you don't understand a question it is ok to say so or ask for some time to think about it.
• An interviewer will generally ask you if you have any questions towards the end of the interview – make sure you use the opportunity to ask things that you may have thought of previously or anything that may have cropped up during the interview.
• How ever hard it may seem at the time – remember to smile.  A smile will make you appear friendly and approachable and therefore more suitable as an employee.