WHETHER it’s an informal chat over coffee or the climax to a week of aptitude tests and obstacle courses, no one can prepare too much for an interview. So here’s a reminder of the basics:
Prepare: Research the company, department or product and know something about the role for which you’re being interviewed. If there’s nothing on the web ask the company for a brochure or further information. At least you’ll appear keen.
Know the basics: It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to ask for the interviewer’s name (and how to pronounce it), the time of the interview, location and directions.
Practise: Think about your answers to the most likely questions. If you are very nervous, consider practising your interview technique with a friend.
Dress to impress: Tailor your clothes to the company and the job. Image consultants claim that about 55 per cent of our initial impression of someone is based on the clothes they wear. It may be shallow, but it’s a fact.
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Develop a rapport: Quite often the main determinant as to whether you’ll get the job is how well you’ll fit in with the company and existing team members. So try to get along with the person who is interviewing you.
It’s not a one-way process: Interviews are as much a way of you finding out whether you want to work in the company as them deciding whether they want to work with you. So don’t be passive, ask questions.
Don’t diss your current employer: It creates a bad impression and you never know who the interviewer is friends with.
Don’t lie or exaggerate: Again obvious, but that little white lie about being ace at tennis could seriously backfire when the boss invites you to his club for a knockabout.
Follow through: At the end of the interview ask what happens next. Are there second interviews? When will you hear the outcome? Then go home and reflect on the interview in preparation for your second one.