Interview Tips

Good preparation is the key to interview success. Be prepared. Research the company, practice answering interview questions and dress smartly.

Come prepared - practice answering interview questions that you may be asked. Ask a friend or family member to pretend to interview you. The more you practice this the better prepared you will seem.

Dress appropriately - to match the company culture. If possible check with your recruitment contact to find out the dress requirements. When in doubt, always wear smart business attire. Women should avoid plunging necklines, too much jewellery, short skirts or heavy make up. The focus should be on your skills so don't let your cleavage steal the show.

Research the company - on the internet and elsewhere if possible - find out as much as you can. Your efforts will show in the job interview.

Be punctual - Arrive ten minutes early. Check your parking options and allow plenty of time.

Be friendly and enthusiastic - First impressions, count. Remember you can make or break a job interview within the first five minutes. Be positive, enthusiastic and friendly to your interviewer.

Be confident and self-assured - Self-confidence is the marker of a successful individual. With confidence, explain why you are the best candidate for the position. This is no time to be coy!

Come prepared for questions - Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "tell me about yourself" and "why do you believe you are a good candidate for this position? Also practice answering tricky interview questions such as "why haven't you worked for the past year?" See our tips for answering tricky interview questions.

Sell your strengths - Be prepared to discuss in detail five or six key strengths. These strengths should match the key attributes the employer is looking for in a candidate to fill their position. Support your statements with specific examples.

Body language - Good body language can make a big difference to whether you get the job or not. Maintain good eye contact. Sit up straight. Good posture makes you feel and look more self-assured. Smile, Show high levels of interest and enthusiasm for the role.

Have some questions of your own prepared - Show interest in the company. Good questions demonstrate intelligence and enthusiasm for the role. Positive interview questions put everyone in a happy mood and will take you one step further toward getting that job.

For example one of the following:

• What's been your best experience working at this company?

• What do you most enjoy about coming to work?

• What project are you most proud of and why?

• What's the greatest thing your manager has done for his/her people?

• How would you describe the company culture here?

Be positive about previous employers and co-workers - Never badmouth previous employers, co-workers or companies. No matter what happened in the past. Bad mouthing will only work to your detriment. Put a positive spin on everything.

Common mistakes made in interviews:

• Critical of previous companies and superiors

• Non-enthusiastic

• Unfriendly demeanour

• Untidy dress or too revealing

• No-eye contact

• Talking too much

• Being unprepared with no knowledge of the company

• Arriving late

• Arrogance

• Interrupting the interviewer