Interview Techniques

On the day

Dress - Looking the part.
Your outfit must enhance your immediate impression.

• Wear the smartest best quality clothes you can afford.
• Clothes must be neat and clean.
• Dark clothes are better, dress conservatively and make sure your clothes patterns and styles co-ordinate.
• Avoid clothes that are too revealing, tight or transparent.
• Don't overdo perfume/ after shave and keep jewellery to a minimum.
• Photos of company staff can give clues to a dress code, but for an interview it is best to be smart. Men should wear a tie.

Things to take

• Take as few items as possible into the interview room - don't carry carrier bags, it looks as if you've just done your shopping and are not taking the interview as seriously.
• Always take a copy of your CV/ Application form and covering letter:
  • reminds you exactly what you said and useful to anticipate questions
  • useful if you are asked to fill in an application form there, as you can convert your CV format easily.
• If relevant take examples of your work, e.g. projects and reports, photos, advertising campaigns, artwork, photocopied press-cuttings, etc. Should be easily accessible so you are not keeping the interviewer waiting trying to find it.
• Copy of job advert.
• Pen and paper for notes.
• Switch off mobile phones.

Be On Time
If you can, do a dummy run beforehand so you know exactly where it is, the journey time, possible delays. If it is long distance, make sure you know the route and anticipate potential hold ups.

• Have the employers contact details at hand, in case of any problems.
• Use any spare waiting time to prepare yourself:
  • tidy yourself
  • review your application and CV
  • study any company literature for visitors (useful for questions later)
  • study people walking through the building/ listen to receptionist - would you like to work here?

• Introduction
• Before the interview - preparation and questions
• Types of interview
• On the day
• Body language