Interview Tips for a Great Interview
- First Impressions Count!
- Look people in the eye and maintain eye contact.
- Give a firm handshake.
- Smile.
- Keep your voice clear and concise – don’t mutter.
- Don’t cross your arms – it shows nervousness or being closed off.
- Keep a good posture, stand up straight, head held high – this shows confidence.
- Avoid slouching, looking down, and crossing your arms – these show a lack of confidence.
- Don’t fidget or play with hair, jewellery, or pens – it shows awkwardness and nervousness.
- Punctuality
- Always arrive 5-10 minutes early. Being on time is considered late.
- Stand up when someone enters the room, especially if it’s an elder, teacher, or boss.
- Show enthusiasm and drive. Be attentive to those around you.
- Keep your eyes on your interviewer – never yawn!
- Presentation
- Never arrive wearing earphones or listening to music.
- Don’t chew gum, eat food, or drink during the interview.
- Shower beforehand, clean your teeth, and ensure you smell clean. Avoid strong cologne or perfume.
- Wear a clean, ironed shirt, smart trousers, and polished shoes. Avoid anything too revealing. Bring an umbrella if it’s raining to show preparedness.
- Ensure your mobile phone is switched off – never check it during the interview.
- Preparation
- Eat before you come to avoid a rumbly tummy. Avoid smelly foods like onion, garlic, or curry.
- Bring a copy of your CV (resume) and a business card. Keep them clean, smart, and in a wallet.
- Research the organisation (school, college, university, or business). Demonstrate good knowledge of the company and have positive points about why you like it.
- Know why you want to work there. Have 3-4 points about what interests you.
- Prepare 3-4 interview questions to ask the interviewer, such as:
- “What is your ideal candidate for the role?”
- “What do you like best about working in this company?”
- Don’t ask too many questions.
- Dress Code
- Always turn up in a suit – dress to impress.
- Attitude
- Show enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and flexibility.
- Anticipate concerns. Identify your weaknesses and mistakes, prepare your defences, and turn them into positives (e.g., “I may not have much experience, but I’m eager to learn and very adaptable. Plus, I’m a proven team player, for example, when… I know I can do this”).
- Prepare for common interview questions (e.g., “What are your interests?”, “Why do you want to work here?”).
- Practice the interview with friends and family.
- Visualise a positive outcome.
- Believe you can do it – think positive and be prepared!
- Closing the Interview
- End with a firm handshake.
- Thank them for seeing you and express your excitement about the position. Ask when you can expect feedback.
- Follow up with an email within 48 hours, thanking them again for their time, highlighting why you are perfect for the position, and stating you look forward to hearing from them soon. Ensure your email is smart, with a clear signature and spell checked.
