Preparing to meet the employer

Gather information about your employer before you are interviewed - what do they do, what are their current projects, what other interests do they have?  Bigger companies will have PR departments, smaller ones will provide you with some information.  Use the internet - many companies have a presence here now.  Make sure you know what the job entails - get a job description, ask someone in a similar post, ring the company to clarify if you are unsure.

What about you?

Take the time to sit down and think about you, who you are and what you've achieved.  It can be very embarrassing to be able to talk about the employer but not about yourself!  Sit down with your CV and make notes about your work record and what you've achieved (but you shouldn't have to look at your CV in the interview).  Think about what your goals are.  Make sure your answers in the interview are consistent with what you put in your CV!

Don't forget your questions to them

There is usually the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview - remember the interview is a two way process, you need to be sure you want to join them too!  Try to concentrate on issues which are both important to you and combine an interest in the company.  Write your questions down before the interview and take them with you.

Presentation

Always dress reasonably formally.  Formal dress for men means a shirt and tie, a jacket, and formal trousers (one of the HR managers consulted for this course told us that sometimes interviewees she had known had arrived in jeans and unshaven!)  Wear clothes that are smart but that you also feel comfortable in.

Answering questions and body language

Once you are asked into the interview room there will usually be a short exchange of pleasantries and ice breaking.  This initial time is important - first impressions make a big difference.  Don't go overboard trying to impress, as it will be very obvious what you are trying to do.  A pleasant natural smile, a firm handshake and  a brief exchange of words in a natural manner are sufficient.

Body language

Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor.  Don't fidget.  Keep your hands out of your pockets.  Try not to create defensive barriers between you and them, like a brief case on your knees, folded arms or crossed legs.  Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer - but don't stare like a snake.  If there's more than one interviewer, look at who's talking.  When you're talking, shift your glance from one to the other.  Don't over-use your hands, if you are a natural gesticulator.  Do nod and `Mmm', to show you're listening to them.  Above all try to be you, try to be natural.

Interview questions

If you are well prepared, then the majority of many of the problem interview questions should not arise - you will know about the company, you will know about yourself and you will a have a good idea of the demands of the job - these questions will not be a problem to the well prepared interviewee.  Don't worry about pausing before you answer, it shows you can think!  Don't worry about admitting you don't know something - but keep this to a bare minimum.  Don't make up information!  Be as honest as possible.  Remember to listen carefully before you answer.  If you don't understand the question, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.  Practice is very important. Act out interviews with your friends, family, classmates, anyone you can find!  You need to try and look poised, confident and comfortable - in your practice sessions, ask your `interviewers' for feedback on your body language.

Practice activities.

Here are some activities to help you remember the advice you've read here.

What should / shouldn't you do before an interview?

Some questions you may be asked during the interview

Some sample questions for you to ask during the interview.