Congratulations you got the opportunity to have an interview with the company looking to recruit. It’s been said many times that you only get one chance to make a good impression and interviews is one of those occasions where it’s imperative to get it right.
Interviews are two way meetings for companies to find out about you and your suitability for the role and the company but also for to find out about them and if this position will provide you with the challenges and job satisfaction you are looking for.
Prepare
Research the company prior to the interview; view their website and familarise yourself with their background, their products and services. Visit Social Media platforms i.e. Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to view interactions from the company with their customers; it will give you a different perspective and insight into the organisation. Prepare open questions to ask and be prepared to talk confidently about your skills and offer experience examples relevant to the role.
Appearance
In the majority of cases smart business attire is a must for an interview. You should be well groomed with tidy hair; shoes should be clean and keep any make-up, jewellery and nail polish simple. Some businesses now adopt a more casual style for work wear, it is a growing trend though we would suggest you research this in advance
Be punctual
Plan your journey beforehand to ensure you arrive a few minutes early and do allow extra time for any unforeseen delays. Arriving late or not turning up at all will not give a good impression, whatever the reasons may be.
Conduct
It’s almost impossible to completely plan how the interview will go, but you can prepare; practice a strong positive handshake and rehearse your greeting. Check how to pronounce your interviewers name correctly and if you are taking a portfolio or carrying papers to the interview, carry them in a suitable case or folder.
Attending interviews isn’t easy and can be uncomfortable for many people, but follow the preparation suggestions set out above and you will find you are far more successful and may even enjoy the process, Good luck!