The Golden Rules of attending an Interview
Controlling your nerves. Attending an interview can sometimes be the most nerve racking experience of your life – especially when you really want this one! Controlling your nerves and remembering all your brilliant answers is a technique and something that you can master. If you are fully prepared (see article on interview preparation) you are more likely to relax and be able to remain calm and controlled.
Presentation / Appearance. The rule for all interviews is to dress to impress! You need to make sure you are immaculately groomed with well-manicured nails; well applied make up and smart clothes. Invest in a suit if you don’t have one – it could make all the difference.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early. If you are late for an interview you may as well go home now. It creates the wrong impression; shows you did not plan enough time to get there and can communicate that you are not serious about the opportunity.
Body language. Your body communicates subconscious messages coming from your brain. Things to consider and be aware of are:
Eye contact. Make good eye contact with your interviewer but don’t stare!
Hand shake. Practice the perfect hand shake. Too flimsy and you communicate weakness and too firm communicate an over powering personality.
Sitting posture. Sit up straight with good posture, shoulders back and try not to cross your arms across your body as this gives the impression that you are protecting yourself and feeling under pressure. An open stance and upright posture suggests confidence.
Don’t fiddle. If you have a tendency to unconsciously play with your hands, hair or anything else that happens to be near you when you are nervous then practice trying to keep still! You don’t want this to distract your interviewer.
Attitude. Display a positive attitude at all times. Speak positively about all your experiences even if some of them have not been positive. You want to show a can-do attitude and that you are someone who will see solutions to problems and rise above negative situations.
Answering the questions. This sounds obvious but many candidates make the classic interview mistake of not listening carefully to the question and then answering it directly. Switch your mind into gear and listen to the question. If you didn’t hear it or understand it, ask your interviewer to repeat it, although don’t do this too often as it will irritate them.
Ask a few questions. Produce your list of questions at the end of the interview – this will show you are keen!
Close the interview. If you feel comfortable, ask how your interviewer thinks you performed during the interview and if they have any reasons why you wouldn’t be suitable for the job. This can be risky if you don’t phrase this question carefully but can also be very effective, especially if you are applying for a sales role.
Once the interview is over, all you can do now is wait for the outcome! You have done your best so if it is meant to be it will be!
