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Hints and Tips
- Virtually all jobs involve a face-to-face interview, so do your homework about your potential new employer beforehand! Try to anticipate likely questions - and look at the company's website to find out all you can about them. Prepare to ask your interviewers questions too.
- First impressions are vitally important, especially your appearance - even if the employer has a relaxed dress code. So make sure you're smartly dressed - it'll show how much importance you place on the company and the position on offer.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so you can relax, check your appearance and read any notes you may have. Check through corporate literature on display, and even chat to the receptionist - both can be vital sources of company information.
- Make sure you know the interviewer's name and position in the company. On meeting your interviewer, greet them by name, make good eye contact and deliver a firm handshake - it all helps to make you feel confident and will give the impression that you're a strong, resourceful character.
- Be prepared to give a verbal account of your background (they'll be testing your communication skills). Don't hurry, think clearly - and take all the time you need to deliver your information concisely, smoothly and logically. Place particular emphasis on your recent experience and skills relevant to the job on offer.
- Listen carefully - and if you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify it. If you don't know an answer, say so - and don't be afraid to make it a point of discussion, giving you the chance to turn matters to your advantage.
- Always be positive, and wherever possible, give positive responses to questions asked, beyond a simple "yes" or "no".
- Before the interview ends, make sure that you have mentioned all of your relevant experience - your interviewer may not have covered everything in their questioning. If appropriate, summarise your understanding of what's needed - and get their agreement or clarification where necessary.
- If you are still keen on the position at the end of the interview, reinforce this before you leave. Ask the interviewer about what happens next, when a decision will be made - and ALWAYS thank them for seeing you.
