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Attending a job interview requires careful preparation. The more you prepare the more confident
and informed you will be, increasing your chances of creating a good impression. It is vital that
your first impression leaves the interviewer feeling positive about you. In some cases its the
only opportunity you will have to impress the interviewer with your knowledge and skills, so make
the most of it. There are no second chances.
Some of the most important things to remember are:-
Be sure you know the exact location of the interview and where to report when you arrive.
Recheck the job requirements. Become familiar with the requirements of your potential employer
Have all your paperwork to hand that maybe required including any references.
Prepare your answers to anticipated questions. You know the job requirements so think of other
questions which may be asked about you and such as your ideas, opinions and general interests.
Do some research on the Company which is recruiting. This is important. It will enable you to ask
pertinent questions, proving that you are sufficiently interested in the company by having spent
time and effort in gleaning as much information as possible about it. Such research reflects a
keen enthusiasm for the job on offer.
Try not to display any signs of nervousness. Always be confident and positive and be clear and
concise in your answers to questions. Self assurance rather than arrogance is often the key to a
successful interview. On no account resort to "waffle". It will only make you look foolish. There
are several things you can do to make the interview pleasant and successful, depending on your
approach.
When you attend an interview always take care with your dress. Dress smartly without being
overdressed or too casual. We have mentioned before the need to appear confident and it is
essential to appear confident when first meeting the person or persons who are carrying out the
interview. As we have said you only get the one chance to make a good impression. It is
particularly important to be punctual. Being late for an appointment is inexcusable as it
indicates you are unreliable. It is far better to err on the safe side and be an hour early
rather than five minutes late. If you are too early you can always brush up your interview
preparation, have a coffee or go for a walk until the appointed time.
When you enter the office where the interview is being held, show that youre at ease, smile at
and offer a handshake to the interviewer. Wait until you are asked before you sit down and hold
on to any papers or brief case you carrying until youre actually sitting down. Never put any of
your belongings onto the desk or table at which the interviewers are seated. Assume a polite
expression and dont slouch. Once you have met the interviewer(s) and the introductions are
completed you can now relax. Take a look round, be observant, interested and alert.
Now is the chance to show how proficient and experienced you are. This is the moment to exhibit
your professionalism along with your knowledge and skills. If theres a question you dont
understand ask for it to be repeated. If you still dont understand the question say so. If the
interviewer outlines a problem within their company offer a solution, or at least make a
suggestion on how the problem may be overcome. Always be positive, accurate and clear. Showing
these attributes helps to convince the interviewer that you have self control, a requirement for
any person who needs to exercise control in the workplace. To add to your credibility always ask
questions about the company, its plans and past performance in addition to what developments are
due to take place. Also ask what your prospects will be if you prove you have the ability to
control, develop and improve on the current job under offer.
At the end of the interview you will be told youll be informed of the outcome. Thank the
interviewer(s) for their attention and time and confirm you are still interested in the job (if
you are) before you leave.
The above points will help you to perform well at a job interview. Think about them and apply
them and youll have a considerable advantage over all the other applicants.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Interviews
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