An interview is your chance to put a face to your written application for a job. Make sure it’s a positive, enthusiastic and professional face! This is where you can convince your potential employers that you are the right person for the job.

Helpful tips

Do your homework:

Find out the following from company magazines, the company’s website and newspaper articles:
• Who is the organization?
• Where do they come from – what is their history?
• Why do they do what they do?
• What is their vision and mission?
• Where are they going?
• How would you be able to add value considering all of the above.

Appearance

• Look neat and professional. Make sure you hair is tidy, your nails clean, you smell nice and are wearing clean clothes.
• If you’re a girl and wearing a skirt, it shouldn’t be too short!
• Avoid wearing jeans, t–shirts and trainers.
• Wear shirts, ties, jackets and smart shoes. Avoid anything too fussy, frilly, or revealing.

Arrival

• Arrive at the interview at least fifteen minutes early to help you relax.
• Walk in slowly and confidently and announce yourself at reception.
• While waiting, sit up straight. Don’t slouch!

During the interview

• Greet your interviewers.
• Make eye contact with the person asking the questions.
• Sit up straight and don’t play with your hands, keep them still.
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Don’t be shy to ask that a question be repeated if you don’t understand it.
• When given the opportunity, ask questions about the job. Try and prepare these before the interview. Asking questions shows you are not intimidated by the inter viewer and have an inquiring mind.
• End by asking what happens after the interview in terms of being contacted.
• Thank the interviewers and leave the room. Walk, don’t run.

As you enter an interview remind yourself of what you have to offer in
terms of skills and your unique inner strengths.

Be the best you you can be, as Oprah would say!