On the day of the interview

Make sure that you are smartly dressed for the interview – you want to make the best possible first impression so avoid wearing jeans and trainers, keep jewellery to a minimum and avoid wearing too much make-up.

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview location. Try to arrive at the interview venue 10 – 15 minutes before your interview is due to start. Become familiar in advance with the route you will travel. It might be a good idea to make a trial run the day before the interview, to get an idea of how long it takes to get there. If for some unforeseen reason you are going to be late, remember to telephone the company and let them know.

Turn off your mobile phone before you enter the company's premises – there is nothing more off putting during an interview than the applicant taking a call mid interview and it can destroy your chances if getting the job. When you arrive at the company treat the receptionist or any other member of the company's staff with the same respect you would give the interviewer. Interviewers often ask the receptionist for their impression of the applicants and if you have treated the receptionist badly they will have no hesitation in telling the interviewers this.

When you greet the interviewer(s) make sure to do so with firm handshake and a smile. You want to appear friendly and confident.



At the interview itself, remember the following points:

• If you are asked to complete an application form, do so neatly.
• If you have been asked to bring qualifications or certificates with you to the interview remember to do so. You should also bring along a copy of your CV and any other information that you feel might be relevant to your application.
• Do not smoke or chew gum during the interview.
• Make regular eye contact with the interviewer(s).
• Listen carefully to questions and get the interviewer to repeat them if necessary.
• Avoid answering questions with a “yes” or “no” answer. Always relate your experience to the question being asked.
• Remember to make the interviewer realise that they need you in their organisation – sell yourself, your abilities and your experience in the best possible manner.
• And finally be yourself. Your goal should only be to do your best. The less pressure you put on yourself, the less nervous you will be, and the more able you will be to demonstrate your skills and qualities.

There are many people who find that by investing in interview coaching they can significantly improve their chances of getting the career they want. An interview coach will work with you to ensure that you are properly prepared for the interview, that you can answer difficult questions and that you present yourself in the best possible light..

Article by Michele Hynes of Hynes Employment Consulting. Phone: (087) 7591438

Return to Michele Hynes's previous article on Interview preparation here