Interviews can be daunting. Especially if you've never interviewed for a job before or it has been a long time since you last attended one. Preparation is key to success but it's not just about saying the right things. It's also about how you say it and how you come across i.e. image, body language and the overall impression you create.
These are my top tips for getting ready for an interview:
1. Presentation: you may feel what you wear and how you look really doesn't matter but it does! If in doubt always dress smart. In fact, I would go as far as to say that not dressing smart would be a major faux pas. Keep it formal and understated. Nothing too fancy. Now is not the time to start experimenting. No one wants to see joke ties or bare midriffs. Men should be dressed in a conventional suit with freshly ironed shirt and tie. Make sure your suit fits properly and is clean. Ladies, again, clean shirt with smart skirt, trousers or dress, jacket and tights in plain colours. Ensure shoes are polished (flat or low heels). Keep jewellery to a minimum (watch, wedding ring) and ditto piercings; preferably plain studs in the ears are all that is essential for presenting yourself at an interview. It is not necessary to be making statements with nose rings and tongue studs. Once you've got the job then you can find out the company's dress code and ramp up your fashion sense! Before then be conservative.
2. Prepare: think about the questions a potential employer may ask you. Practice your answers with a family member or friend by carrying out a role play scenario. Research the company by taking a look at their website and advertising materials so that you understand their ethos and what they are trying to achieve. This will also help you to assess whether the company is going to be right for you. You should also prepare some questions of your own to ask at the interview. Make sure you also know where you need to be, who you are meeting and when. Check how long it will take you to get to the interview and ensure you leave enough time to get through potential traffic and find parking.
3. Body language and demeanour: during an interview you should make eye contact and smile. Be friendly and relax. It's always worth accepting a drink when offered, such as a glass of water, so you can take sips inbetween questions, which will give you have time to think about answers and compose yourself. Be positive and enthusiastic. Think about how the interviewer feels. Would you want to employ somebody who is negative? Avoid making derogatory remarks about previous employers. This only creates a bad impression. Be polite, honest and interested and never interrupt.
4. Sell yourself: turn negatives into believable positives. Refrain from being over the top or deliberately misleading someone. Selling yourself is about being persuasive and getting others to share your views of who you are. Remember this is especially important when being interviewed for a sales position. If you cannot sell yourself this will give your potential employer no confidence that you will be able to sell their product.
For more information and full details of our interview techniques and preparation follow this link http://www.amrgroup.co.uk/career_information.aspx
Good luck!
