1. Do your homework. Thoroughly research the organisation and the potential job. Prepare intelligent questions to be asked at the appropriate time.
2. Look the part and dress accordingly. For example, arrive at an interview for a financial job appropriately dressed – men in a dark suit with a white or light blue shirt, sober tie and black leather belt and shoes. Ladies should also dress accordingly (no mini-skirts please or open toe shoes, always wear limited/conservative jewellery!). Men should not arrive unshaven and tie-less looking as though they are applying for a job as a professional rugby player (no offence to professional rugby players, the criteria are different.)
3. Remember an experienced interviewer can often assess within minutes, sometimes seconds, if the interviewee is suitable for the job. After that for them the interview will either continue to be interesting or become very boring. Try to engage with the interviewer as quickly as possible. Remember that people skills are all-important — presence, demeanour, dress sense and general presentation wins the day–make sure, as much as you can, that you present all of these to your interviewer…
4. If HR interview, it is likely the interview will be ‘Competency Based’. For further information visit: WikiJob Competency Based Interview
5. Take a note pad and ask if you can take notes – this will impress the interviewer, no- one can remember everything…
6. Appear to really want the job – if three interviewees are all equal the one that appears to want the job the most will get it…so get on your knees and plead for it if you feel that will make a difference!
7. Don’t eat garlic snails or a hot curry before the interview (or even the night before) – your interviewer may not appreciate being regaled by your garlicky breath…
8. Never turn up too early – about 10 minutes early to allow you time to sign in is adequate.
If you observe all of the above your chances of beating your competitors will improve immeasurably!
