The Basics

Fail in any of these areas and you’ve no one to blame but yourself…

• Arrive 10 minutes before your interview start time

• Dress smart for all first interviews. If you see for yourself that the office has a smart casual dress code and are offered a second interview ask the interviewer how they would like you to dress... if in doubt, wear the suit

• Research the company

• Read and make sure you understand the job description, and what they are looking for in the ideal candidate

• Make sure your CV is up to date, has no gaps, and also take a few printed copies in case an additional interviewer needs one

• Have a list of questions ready (see below)

• Prepare a non-answer to the question: "What kind of salary are you looking for?" to avoid having to give a specific figure (keep a salary range in mind but this is for your own reference)

• Also be able to explain why you left/are leaving your last/current job being honest but not negative

• Be interested and positive, but not gushing with enthusiasm

• Give a good handshake, look your employer in the eyes, don’t tell any blue jokes... I think you’ve got the drift!*

Asking Questions

All interviews offer an opportunity to ask your own questions whether you are prompted to or not, so if you are unclear about any of the above make sure you know where the gaps are in your knowledge and are ready to ask specific questions to remove any uncertainty before the interview finishes and you leave.

The interviewer will often deduce as much about you from the questions that you ask them as the answers you give.

Questions that put you in a positive light are those that:

• demonstrate that you have done some research
• show that you understand what the company does and what the job involves
• display your ability to think for yourself
• make the interviewer think before answering

*if not perhaps a job dealing with people isn’t for you!