At the Venue
Spend time in advance with a dummy run to the venue so you know exactly how to get there plus consider the time of your interview to account for any traffic congestion or road works.
When you arrive let the receptionist know who you are, explain the reason for your visit and who your appointment is with. While waiting try to relax and gather your thoughts. Always be polite to the receptionist, you never know the influence that he or she may wield over a decision maker.
Do not get bogged down in trying to use effective body language. Instead concentrate on being yourself. When you meet the interviewer make eye contact, offer a firm handshake and smile.
When in the interview wait to be offered a seat before sitting down, keep your hands visible at all times and try not to fidget. Sit up straight, leaning slightly forward so as to demonstrate your interest in the interview, do not slouch or sit with your arms folded.
Listen carefully to questions posed, look attentively at the interviewer and make eye contact when replying. Remember to take your time, if you require a few moments to gather your thoughts after a question has been asked take them. Then answer clearly and concisely.
If you are faced with a panel, try not to see them as a firing squad, instead focus on the reasons companies use this method i.e. that it is fairer. In this situation remember to direct your questions at all panellists not just the person who asked the question.
The one situation any interviewee dreads is facing an interviewer who asks probing questions in an aggressive manner. Do not take this personally it is simply this person’s individual style or approach. Consider that it may be part of the assessment approach to view how you respond to testing and direct conversation. Focus on what you are being asked and remember to take your time. If you have done your preparation then hopefully you should be able field even the most awkward questions in a calm collected manner.
If you do not understand a question do not be afraid to ask for clarification, once you are satisfied you know what is being asked don’t be afraid to take your time before you answer. If you simply cannot answer a question it is often best to admit it, endeavour to show how you would approach the problem rather than trying to bluff your way through in front of a person who invariably knows the best practice.
Try to avoid waffle by keeping your answers short and to the point, but equally do not answer with simple yes or no replies, always try to qualify your answer with a relevant example to highlight how your personal experiences are applicable to the role.
Avoid being evasive, a seasoned interviewer will pick up on this quickly; instead express your opinions without appearing too forceful or antagonistic. If you disagree with a point being made feel free to disagree, the interviewer may welcome a chance to witness your debating skills, but ensure your arguments are reasoned and measured.
Always remain positive throughout the interview. You may think it is going badly and that you have not performed to the best of your ability, the interviewer may view the situation in a much more positive light. However if you become dejected and lethargic it may wipe out any advantage you had.
