Excellent, your CV has been good enough to earn you an interview, now you need to live up to the expectations of our client. These tips should help you walk into your interview with confidence… 1.  Preparation In order for you to fully concentrate on the interview you need to make sure you have everything in place before you arrive.
Make sure you know exactly where you are going and who you’re meeting (try to visit the location beforehand if you have the time). Take the time to research both the company and the vacancy you’ve applied for (the company website is generally the best place to start, news sites and blogs are also useful for this). Prepare answers for standard questions that you know you’ll be facing, e.g.

Why do you want the job? Why do you want to work for the company? How much do you know about them? Why should they employ you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? What have been your biggest successes/failures? What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

• Review your own CV and try to anticipate any questions they may have.

• Prepare your questions to ask them.

• Try to speak to anybody you know who works at the company or has interviewed there previously. They may provide you with important information on the interview format.

2. First impressions

Just like your CV, first impressions matter greatly. Make a bad first impression, and the interview can be over before it has even begun.

• Dress comfortably, but smartly. If you’re not sure if you are dressed smartly enough, err on the side of caution, it is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.

• Shake hands firmly, a tissue in your pocket will help to keep them dry if you’re nervous.

• Be aware of your body language. Smile, make eye contact, and try to make sure you come across as confident, honest and friendly.

• Speak clearly and confidently

3. Testing

Psychometric/aptitude tests are used to see how you will fit into the role/team/company. There are no right or wrong answers so the best way to approach them is with absolute honesty. You can’t cheat them and you want to make sure you’ll fit in too!

4. Internet Searches

The modern working environment dictates that many employers will perform internet searches against your name. So if you like to blog or have a profile on a social networking site, make sure its one that you would be happy for a future employer to see.

Other Tips

Other things that might be of assistance include the following:

• Don’t be over critical of you present/previous employers, if you have a fair and reasonable issue for looking to leave your current employer detail it but don’t dwell on it. No one wants to hire an overly negative employee.

• A relaxed sense of humour is important but don’t overdo it!

• Overall try to come across as calm, confident, competent, highly motivated and friendly – someone who they will want to work with!

• Bring relevant certifications and identification.