This is your big day - go for it! 

It is important to make the most of your opportunity - the employer is interested in you and you have been invited to attend an interview.  There are various ways you can prepare and techniques you can employ to help maximise your interview performance.

Winning CV has structured the key elements of job interview preparation for helping with interviews 'on the day'.  The following guidelines should help you to build confidence and to convince you that an interview should be no more than a formal discussion about a job vacancy.  You should not be intmidated by the prospect of an interview - instead it should be your opportunity to shine!

                                                                                                             

Before the interview

Take extra copies of your CV (be prepared just in case!).
Arrive in good time.  Lateness is inexcusable.
Dress smartly & conservatively (presentation).
Ensure fresh breath.

Get the basics right & be positive

Keep body language calm & understated.
Be courteous, make eye contact & smile!
Be prepared & show enthusiasm.
Speak clearly & concisely.
Give a firm handshake.
Sit properly & relax.

Be warm, pleasant & polite to make a good impression

Helps to relax the interviewer - remember that it can be stressful for them too!
They will often reciprocate & help make you feel more comfortable as well.

Take your time & consider each answer

Always answer questions using examples (i.e. shows evidence of past performance & suitability).
If you are unable to answer a question, be honest & ask if you can come back to it later.
Ask for questions to be repeated if you do not understand or mis-hear.

Be honest & confident

Recruiters will often pick up on dishonest answers via your body language.
Gaps or weaknesses in your career history can be turned into strengths.
EG:  Undertook successful training or study during an employment gap.

Impress interviewers with your insight & knowledge of the company.

Shows initiative, professionalism & that you are genuinely interested in the company.
A lack of research shows poor enthusiasm, laziness & even unprofessionalism.
This is a common weakness, so it is your chance to shine!

Prepare effective questions

Asking questions shows that you are being professional & want to learn more about the role.
It also shows that you are genuinely interested & are a serious (credible) candidate.

Consider closing the interview - very important!

There should be clear positive intent & use it as one last opportunity to sell your skills & qualities. 
You should also state what you want from the first interview (i.e. a second interview!). 

To leave a positive impression and close the interview, you should summarise your experience, main skills and qualities in one sentance and then ask when you would be invited to attend a second
interview (i.e. gives positive intent and states exactly what you want).

Leave a positive impression

Smile, firm handshake & thank them for inviting you before leaving.
Do not look as though you are desperate to get out of the room.

                                                                                                            

Keeping you informed

Recruiters should keep you informed as to what will happen throughout the recruitment process.
This can be clarified at interview (i.e. ask about next stages, assessments, timescales, etc.).

Learning from your experiences

Find out any underlying reasons, strengths or weaknesses as to why you were unsuccessful.
This will help you to get it right next time & refine / practice interview techniques.
Always ask for interview feedback - a great opportunity to learn & improve!

                                               

           

Beat the competition! - Make sure your CV stands out from the crowd & win at interview!