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4. The Interview

4. PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW

The key to an interview is being prepared. Allow yourself enough time to get ready and to get to the interview, know who you will be meeting, have an idea of what you will be discussing and have some key outlines of things you will say.

The day before, make sure you have the appointment time and date correct. Make sure you know the physical address - look it up in a map book to make sure you know exactly where it is and how long it will take you to get there. Keep an eye on the interview time and whether it clashes with rush-hour traffic. Traffic is not a good excuse for running late, it just shows you did not plan sufficiently. Make sure you know who you will be meeting with - and have a contact number in the event of a problem. Keep the name and number of the person who set the appointment up with you on you - so if there is a problem you can contact them.

Schedule your day, so you are able to leave with enough time to get to the interview without looking or feeling flustered. Try and time it so you arrive 10 - 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. This gives you some time to sit in the reception area, and calm down, catch your breath and prepare yourself for the interview. Do not take anyone with you to an interview - it looks unprofessional. If someone is with you in the car, it is best that they do not wait with you in the reception area.

If possible and if necessary, change your clothes before leaving for the interview, so you are dressed appropriately. Even if you are interviewing for a position where overalls or jeans are appropriate wear, - do not wear these to an interview. Always dress neatly and smart-casual - you only get one chance to make a good impression. Long pants and a formal shirt for men - a tie and a jacket would be ideal, but might not always be possible. Rather arrive over-dressed for an interview than underdressed. For women a similar rule applies, dress conservatively, long skirt or a pants-suit rather than anything short or revealing. Leave flimsy or revealing attire for another day. Keep colours to navy and black.

What to take with you: A neat hard copy of your CV, copies of all documentation (certificates, references etc) in the event you are asked for them, your ID document, your diary and a list of questions you might have about the company. Ideally keep questions regarding remuneration out of the first interview - focus your attention rather on the company, the position and where you would fit it.

The interviewer is going to ask you if you have any questions - be prepared, have some!!

Good questions might be:

Why is the position available? How is the department performing in the company? What do they anticipate you or this position will bring to the company? What is the scope for progression in the company? What training is offered for this position? And so on. Keep your questions positive, and they should show your keenness to join their company and develop the position.

If there is any reason that you will not be able to make the interview - maybe a crisis has come up at work - then phone the recruiter as early as possible. Do not leave it for the last moment - and definitely don't just not arrive for the interview. An hour before the interview would also be on the verge of being unacceptable, as at this point you should already be on your way. If you anticipate a problem, let the recruiter know immediately, this way an alternate arrangement can be made which might be more suitable for you.

During the interview - make sure your cell phone is off, make sure you have a pen and your diary in the event you wish to make notes. Anything else you have with you needs to be neatly packed away and out of sight until it is needed. You will probably be offered refreshments - it is advisable to decline, as you are often too nervous to actually drink coffee/tea. If you are thirsty, rather ask for a glass of water.

You will be introduced to the interviewer - there may be more than one person if it is a panel interview. Take time to shake everyone's hand, look them in the eye, and repeat their name "Good afternoon Mr. Bloggs" - repeating their name will help you recall their name.

You will be directed to a seat - settle yourself and then face the interviewer (do not sit until you are invited to do so). Allow the interviewer to speak first and lead the conversation. You may be understandably nervous - and this often makes listening accurately difficult. Try and listen to the question posed, and give yourself a few moments to understand what the interviewer is asking. Try to keep your answers short and clear. The natural inclination during an interview is to ramble and go off on a tangent. Try and listen to what you are saying and the impression you are creating. If you are unsure of what the interviewer is asking, request that they rephrase the question or repeat it. Give yourself more time to understand the question than running off on a gambit that might just waste everyone's time.

An interview is a chance for the prospective employer to "feel you out" to see if you are the right person for the company, but it is also an opportunity for you to make a decision as to whether this is the company or project that you wish to be involved with. An interview is a two-way discussion and shouldn't be just an interviewer firing off questions.

The worst thing you can do in an interview is lie or try to "bend" the truth. The person you are talking to is often a knowledgeable interviewer, and quite possibly an expert in the industry - so the best route to take is to keep to the truth. Try not to over-inflate your deeds and accomplishments - keep it clear and truthful. By all means "sell" your skills and "market" your expertise, but keep it truthful and realistic.

Once the interview is running to a close, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions - this is your opportunity to make a good closing impression. You may be disappointed that they are not making you an offer on the spot, but bear in mind, that there may be other candidates to interview - or they may need to move to a second interview to make a final decision. Keep your attitude positive right to the end.

When it is time to leave, shake hands and thank the person who has taken the time to interview you. Collect your things, and follow them out of the interview area - they will often walk with you to the reception area. Thank them again - and leave the company. Don't dawdle when it is time to leave - this will mark you as being indecisive - just say goodbye and move on. There is a good chance that you may still be "watched" as you move towards your car and leave the interview, so try and remain composed until you are well clear of the area.