Congratulations you have an interview, now what…?

Preparation is the key to success. As with everything the better prepared you are the more likely you are to succeed.

Research the company, who are they? What do they do? Where are they? Look at their web site. This is normally the best place to search for relevant information. Phone for directions so you don’t get lost and arrive flustered or worse late! If in doubt suit and boot. Always dress smartly unless you know the company’s dress code.
Look at the job role/specification if you have one. Why do you want this job? Why would you be good at the role? What skills do you offer that would make you perfect for the role? What are your strengths and weaknesses? When could you start, how much notice, if any, have you got to give to your present employer?
Take a note pad and pen with you, list questions that you need to know the answers to. This is an excellent prompt should your memory fail you, will make you look well prepared and that you have given the role some thought. Take notes if you wish to or tick off each point as they answer it.

Arrival and greeting of interviewer.

Invariably you will announce yourself at reception and say whom you have come to meet. The interviewer will come to meet you normally asking for you by name.

Practice your handshake! A weak handshake is a terrible start, this might seem obvious to most but you would be amazed at how many candidates get this wrong! Firm but not vice like with your right hand held forward to their right hand. Smile, look them in the eye.
If you smoke or have consumed alcohol earlier in the day make sure that the interviewer wouldn’t realise, mints, change of clothes, whatever it takes!
The interviewer will normally take you to a private office. There may be one or more people present, they will be introduced to you.

Remember two vital things. They want you to be good; they don’t want you to fail. They are not there to be nasty to you or give you a hard time. Secondly and more importantly interviews are a two way process, they speak, you speak. This is as much about you finding out about them as it is them finding out about you!

The interview:

Please relax, sit upright, don’t fiddle with a pen, pad or your hair! Look at the interviewer and remember to smile.
Try to establish a rapport- if they feel comfortable in your presence they will be happy working with you.
Don’t gabble; talk too much or too little. Answer the questions fully without giving your life history! Equally ideally not yes/no answers.
Show you have done your research, drop comments in to the conversation such as “ When I was studying your website I noticed…” this shows you have made an effort to learn more about their company.
Keep calm. If you are asked something you don’t know, say you don’t know, don’t come up with something just to fill the gap.
They will always ask you if you have any questions at the end of an interview. If you have, ask them, if not say “I believe you have covered everything I wanted to know but should I think of something may I call and ask you?”

Final impressions:

Don’t rush from the room, like a frightened rabbit! Thank the interviewer for seeing you. Reiterate your interest in the role if it’s still for you and say you hope that you will be hearing from them soon.
Walk tall and confidently from the building.

Some of the above is blatantly obvious, however you would be amazed at how the smallest things can make a difference. We at Sussex Recruitment are happy to coach you on interview techniques and sample questions should you need us to; it’s all part of our consultative service. You are our candidate and we are here to help you get that job!!