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shake hands with the interviewers
and thank them for inviting you in for interview.
Make sure you handshake is firm but not knuckle-breaking!
Sometime this may feel odd or inappropriate, read
the situation carefully and act accordingly. If
all the interviewers are lined up behind a desk
(which we hope they aren't), then you might want
to dispense with the handshake and just thank
them for the opportunity to come in. |
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allow information you have researched to come
through - drop these nuggets into the conversation,
but don't labour it. |
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check the job spec carefully - make a note of
your relevant experience, strengths and attributes
that makes you right for the job. |
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make sure you are comfortable before you start.
Ask for a glass of water or where you should put
your coat, or go to the loo if necessary. Don't
be afraid to ask for these things. If you are
relaxed and comfortable, you will perform much
better. |
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answer the question you've been asked rather
than the one you have prepared and thought you
were going to be asked. |
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ask for a moment to gather your thoughts if
you are unsure of the appropriate response, or
if your mind goes blank. You can always ask for
clarification or get them to repeat the question. |
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take notes in with you if you think it might
help - even if it does just act as a 'security
blanket'. If you don't need to, don't bother. |
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remember to tell them about
holidays you have booked in the near future
that might affect your start date etc. |
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raise any health problems or issues that are
relevant to you working environment e.g. colourblindness,
bad back. |
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arrive late. Allow plenty of time
to get to the interview and try to be 5-10 minutes
early. This will allow you time to collect your
thoughts and watch other members of staff which
can provide a valuable insight into the day to
day running of the company. If the interview is
in a place that you are not familiar with ask
SDA for directions. |
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over prepare. Do your research, rehearse your
responses and have a good night's sleep the day
before the interview. |
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smoke a cigarette just before the interview
- you will most likely stink and if it is a no
smoking office with non-smokers interviewing it
will make a bad first impression. If you must
smoke, have toothbrush, breathfreshener etc to
hand. |
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wear powerful cologne or perfume - you may love
it - but it is quite possible that it is the interviewers
least favourite scent - strong smells in a small
office never go down well - it's too overbearing. |
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ramble. Be clear and concise. Try not to mumble
or rush. Dont speak too loudly or too quietly
- you will know if you have a tendancy to do one
or the other, be aware. |
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use too much jargon. Some may be good and appropiate
and demonstrate that you are familiar with certain
aspects of the industry that are useful. However,
don't over-egg it. If one of the interviewers
is from HR, they may not know what you are on
about. |
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patronise. Even if you don't think much of the
interviewer or his/her style - they will sense
your disapproval. Remember, the person interviewing
may not be very good at it, but they could be
brilliant at their job. They may also not be the
person you will be working directly to, so you
may have little contact with them if you got the
job. |
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name drop. By all means mention relevant people
or mentors that you have in the industry, but
use sparingly and only where relevant. e.g don't
say "when I had dinner with Michael Grade
last week, he mentioned…" |
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lie or deliberately conceal aspects of your
past. If you are not particularly keen to discuss
the 3 years you took out to learn be a fighter
pilot (and failed), then mention it briefly and
talk positively about what you got out of the
experience. There must be something. |
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show off, lose your temper or bullshit. If you
don't understand the question, say so. |
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use negative body language that makes you seem
passive, submissive, or worse still, aggressive.
Appear open and alert. Don't slouch back in the
chair with your arms crossed staring at the ceiling. |
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raise salary matters. The interviewer will discuss
this with you at the appropriate time. (normally
towards the end). |
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say you never watch TV or have no knowledge
of their product / brand. |
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say you want to work in production (unless of
course you do - in which case you shouldn't be
here). |
Candidates