INTERVIEW
Before Interview
Work out what your employer is looking to hear
Dress appropriately
Plan your route the night before
Practice Questions
Write down questions you may be asked. A useful tool in crafting answers is to think STAR, Specific situation, Tasks that needed to be done, Action taken, Results.
Either ask someone to practice interviewing you. Mortifying as this is it is incredibly useful.
Tape yourself talking and play it back again and again. Listen to your tone, the words you use and do you answer the question?
Practice in front of the mirror. Do you move around too much or fidget.
Research
Look through the website of your potential employer and any others linked to it. Additionally, check through news reports, Companies House etc. so that you don't ask fundamental questions that are probably in the public domain.
First Impressions
Arrive in good time, look an interviewer in the eye and smile. Put your hands in your lap, don’t fidget and lean forward without looking desperate.
Take notes if you are nervous, this is a good tool and makes you look conscientious.
Take off rings, bracelets or necklaces prior to interview if you know you fiddle with them. It is very off-putting for an interviewer!
Talking and Listening
Talking: Clear, calm and comprehensive, keep discussions detailed, upbeat and honest and slow down.
Listening: make sure you are, don’t butt in and take time with your reply. Remember that listening isn't waiting to talk, it is about absorbing what is being said and responding at the appropriate time.
Skills: Focus on your skills not your knowledge.
Avoid: Discussing time commitments or salary at the onset or what days you cannot work.
Try not to fidget, keep your hands in your lap if you do!
Ask questions only if they are relevant.
Finally, thank the interviewer for seeing you when you leave.
Avoid
If you researched the company please avoid telling your interviewing how much you know in the hope this shows you in a good light. They know about their own company. They want to know about you.
Discussing at the onset any restraints on your time, personal commitments similarly don't mention salary.
Lack of knowledge or technical know how. Likewise with new jargon. All these can be caught up on. Make a note of which areas you felt you were lacking and google them when home.
Showing off, a considered and balanced sense of yourself is far more attractive. Remember to give credit to others when it is due, importantly this creates the impression of being a team player.
Bad mouthing a previous employer.
In short, avoid any negativity.
Post Interview
Email the interviewer to thank them for seeing you and ask any other questions you may have forgotten at the time. Importantly this is a good opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job. Keep the note brief!
Keep Safe
Most importantly please remember:
Meet at the interviewing company's office.
Meet during office hours.
Make sure the office is manned.
Tell someone where you are going.
Do not give out personal information that is not on your CV.
Finally: If there is something about your interview or interviewer that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave at once. You do not have to explain why. Go to a safe place where there are other people and contact the police (999) immediately and us if you have time (0207 720 3615).