Top Tips for Interview

Top Tips for Interview

• Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet from the moment you arrive until you leave.
• First impressions are crucial - smile as you greet people, look like you're pleased to be there and reasonably relaxed, even if you're not. Give a firm handshake if one is offered (but don't break any bones). Sit when offered a chair.
• Speak up, talk clearly and at a moderate pace.
• Be aware of body language - avoid crossed arms or legs; don't slouch or lean back too far. Lean forward to show you're attending to them but don't invade their personal space.
• It's OK to use hand gestures but in moderation. A rule of thumb is keep them above your waist and below your shoulders.
• Give the interviewer good eye contact but don't eyeball them. If there is more than one of them speak mainly to the person who asked the question but don't ignore the others.
• Be friendly and open but don't try and ingratiate yourself or be too smarmy or over- familiar with the interviewer.
• Build rapport so the interviewer enjoys interviewing you.
• Be yourself rather than putting on an act but emphasise the positive aspects of your personality. If you are slightly shy or downbeat try and inject energy and enthusiasm into your performance.
• Make sure you understand what the question is asking. If you are not sure ask them for clarification. Avoid simply guessing.
• Make sure you answer the question asked and all parts of it.
• Don't get too technical or jargonistic unless your interviewer is from the same technical background.
• Give detailed answers which give examples demonstrating possession of the requisite skills but avoid waffling. Try and give evidence that you not only did something but also did it well e.g. the mark you got, if you were promoted.
• Always tailor and relate your answers to the job description/person specification and reflect the skills and language used in them.
• Keep your answers positive and try not to badmouth people or organisations. Always focus on the relevant benefits.
• If you can't think of an immediate answer ask if you can come back to it.
• Avoid conflict or getting into an argument but let them know if you feel a question contravenes equal opportunities policy.
• Make sure you know what your key relevant skills and experiences are and make sure you communicate them. You can control the interview to some extent by the leads you give e.g. " in addition I did a project on 'X', if you would like to hear about that.
• Follow their visual cues. If they appear interested be more expansive. If they look impatient or bored it might be time to stop. If you are not sure whether you have gone into enough detail you could ask them if they'd like you to elaborate.
• It's usually OK to bring material in with you such as your CV or a list of questions but ask first and don't constantly refer to it.
• Don't put yourself down or volunteer any weaknesses unnecessarily.
• Don't brag or be too arrogant but don't hide your light under a bushel. Prove you can do the job by the evidence you give them.
• Even if you're a brilliant liar be careful. If you get caught out they will wonder if you're trustworthy or if they can believe anything you say. You won't do yourself any favours if you claim you can do something but get found out once you have been appointed. Honesty is the best policy.
• Be careful with humour - what you find funny your interviewer may not.