The Interview Process

1. Before the Interview

It is important to prepare for each interview you attend as they will all be different. Obviously you can't plan the interview minute by minute but there are some key things that you can do to make sure that you are prepared.

Research the organisation
It always helps to have an understanding of the company you could potentially be employed by. At the very least, you should make sure you have visited the organisation's website and know what their main services or products are.

Know why you are there
There is no point in turning up to an interview if you don't know why you want the job. Make sure you read the job advert and identify the reasons why you are interested in that particular job.

Present yourself well
It is important that you put some effort into your general appearance before attending an interview. It might sound obvious, but it is really important that you shower, comb your hair, wear clean clothes, don't eat anything with garlic or onions in it prior to the interview and make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the interview.

Know your questions
Having a list of questions in your mind that you would like to ask in the interview is a great idea. Think about what you would like to know about the job that you don't already know such as career progression, training opportunities etc. Leave salary questions for after you have received an offer.

Know your CV Inside and Out
Make sure you know your CV well. It won't look good if you are asked a question about the details on your CV and you aren't able to answer. Re-read your CV and make sure that it is up to date and that all the details in it are accurate.

Behavioural interviewing
More and more interviewers are using Behavioural interview techniques. This involves asking you open questions such as "Tell me about a time when you were successful in a team environment" rather than a closed question such as "Do you like working in teams." Knowing this, you should make sure that you are prepared with good examples to use in your interviews.

Be Punctual
Once you know the location of the interview, work out how long it will take you to get there and allow extra time for parking. Arriving late to an interview not only makes you feel flustered, it also shows to the interviewer a lack of organisation. Arriving up to 10 minutes early gives you time to relax and go over the interview process one last time. If you arrive more than 10 minutes before your interview, sit outside if possible rather than in the waiting area as this may make you feel uncomfortable and may be inconvenient for the Interviewer.

2. During the Interview

There are certain things you need to do in an interview to maximise your chances of being successful.

Your Interviewers
Make sure that you know the names of your interviewers. This means that you can address them in the interview.

First Impressions
Your first impression is very important in an interview. Make sure you smile, shake the interviewers' hands and maintain eye contact.

Body language
It is important to display open body language. Don't cross your arms as this indicates that you are closed to the conversation.

Positive Language
Make sure you use positive language throughout the interview. Never put yourself or your past employers down or highlight your weaknesses.

3. After the Interview

There are certain things that you can do following an interview that will make you look keen and will keep your name in the interviewer's mind. If you managed to get your interviewers' names, write them a brief letter thanking them for their time and offering to supply any further information that they may require.