Have you confirmed that you will attend the interview on the specified day at the specified time?
Do you know the name and title of the person/people you will be meeting? Have you researched their backgrounds if possible?
Do you have the correct address? Do you know how to get there?
Have you organised how you will get there? Bus? Car? How long will it take? Have you allowed extra time for delays?
Have you selected your interview suit? First impressions count - dress appropriately
Limit your application of colognes and perfumes.
Have you polished/cleaned your shoes?
Have you asked a friend/relative to check over your appearance?
Preparation
Have you sourced information on the company? Have you checked their website? Ask for company literature, annual report etc
Network if possible with employees, former employees, suppliers, customers, competitors
Do you know who the companies main competitors are?
Are you up to date on current affairs, business affairs and the latest developments in your sector? Read the newspapers and trade journals carefully while you are job searching
Have you contacted any person you may know in the organisation for information/tips?
Have you visited any part of the business open to the public? e.g. shop, hotel, etc
Have you subscribed to the companies service or purchased a product of the companies if it is possible to do so?
Have you written down what you think the interviewer is looking for?
Do you know what added value you can bring to this role?
Have you listed out your strengths and achievements? Are you ready to talk about them? Tailor your strengths to the key skills required for the role- e.g. team working/language ability
Have you prepared (and rehearsed) answers for the questions they will probably ask you?(See Interview Questions for further information)
Have you prepared questions to ask them? (See Interview Questions for further information)
Ask a friend who has experience as an interviewer to do a mock interview with you. Make it as realistic as possible. Ask for a frank and honest assessment
Tips On Interview Success
Body Language
Your handshake must be firm and you must make eye contact when you say hello and introduce yourself. Your initial introduction can set the tone for the meeting so be professional but friendly
Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, including receptionists and secretaries
Don't fidget, rocking in your chair, shaking yor foot and drumming your fingers are all very distracting
Show enthusiasm! Keep an interested expression. Make positive gestures
Establish a comfortable amount of space between you and the interviewer
If you have more than one person interviewing you, make sure you briefly address both people with your gaze and return your attention to the person who asked you the question
It is imperative that you make good eye contact during the interview. Avoid looking down at your shoes or up at the ceiling
Sit up straight or lean forward. Don't slouch back into your chair or sit with your arms folded as you may come across as disengaged.
Feel free to use your hands to express a point but don't over do it
Remember
Don't be afraid to sell yourself. This is the opportunity you've been given to do so
Make sure you have covered all the relevant strengths and examples that you have rehearsed by the end of the interview
Anticipate the questions you will be asked and rehearse the answers. Don't just think about how you will answer, but prepare the actual wording you will use. You might like to write it down
Be positive about your current and previous employers
Have questions ready - this shows that you have thought about the job and are interested in it
Show that you have done your homework - 'In the annual report I noticed...'
Before leaving confirm your interest in the job and ask about the next stage in the selection process
Make some small talk on the way to the door -even if it's about the weather! These couple of minutes can leave a lasting impression so stay in polite, interview mode
Post Interview Tips
Immediately after the interview make a note of the information you received. Remembering this information at the next interview will be expected by the interviewer and let them know they haven't wasted time outlining the company and its culture to you
After the interview, send them a short email of thanks confirming your interest, adding any additional information you omitted to mention and emphasising your suitability no later than lunchtime the next day
If you are interviewing through a recruitment agency contact the agency with your feedback as soon as possible
If you have not heard from the interviewer by the time you were told you would, follow it up. If possible get feedback. Any feedback either positive or negative will be useful to you in the preparation and performance during your next interview.
