Some people shine at interviews, but most find them stressful at best, and often come away feeling that they have failed to show their true talents. So what are the key things to remember if you want to do yourself justice?

 

Prepare, prepare, prepare

 

Your interview starts long before you get to the room. First, you need to do your research. Visit the companies’ website, but also get hold of recent annual reports – even if you can’t make head or tail of the financial information, you’ll find that these often give a “feeling” for the company that the website won’t. Scour the newspapers for news items that may be relevant to the company’s business areas. What issues does it face? How will your job fit in?

Read and reread the job specification, be clear what it is they’re looking for, and think about where you might appear weak. Make sure you can convince them on these points.

Finally, make sure know your CV – in particular, the things that they may pick up on. Have convincing stories about your work experience, so that you come across as confident and articulate without sounding over-prepared.

Appearance

 

It is sometimes said that an interview is over in the first few minutes, when the interviewers form their first impressions of the candidate. It’s certainly true that even in an informal, “dress down” culture, your appearance will say a lot about you – whether you are the type of person who will fit in with the company’s style.

 

Although the decisions on what makes for a “good” impression differ between men and women, the principles remain the same – dress for the industy you’re aiming for, but if in doubt remember that it’s better to be too formal, than not formal enough. And make sure your shoes are clean!

 

Starting the interview

 

From the moment you enter the room, you’re on trial. So the key thing to remember is, smile. It does wonders for your confidence. Make sure your handshake’s firm, and your hands aren’t too clammy from nerves.

 

When we’re nervous, we can find it difficult to concentrate. So make a point of listening to the names of the interviewers, if necessary repeating them back as you’re told them – it helps to consolidate them in your mind. And remember to wait for your cue to sit down.

 

Body language

 

A huge amount of the impression we give is non-verbal – the way we sit, the way we hold ourselves. Posture is crucial – the best way is to lean forward slightly, it shows you’re paying attention. Maintain eye contact, without staring. Keep your hands quiet, but try not to fold your arms across your body – it gives a very negative impression.

If you can, try to mirror the interviewer’s posture and style – he or she will subconsciously warm to that.

Listening skills

 

You may think listening is not something that involves much skill, but that’s not entirely true. Most of us find it hard to listen when we’re nervous, or in a stressful situation. But you really do need to pay attention if you’re to show yourself in the best light.

 

Try to practice “active listening” techniques – nodding, saying “yes” as something is explained to you. Let your body show that you’re paying attention. And if don’t understand something, say so – or repeat the question back in your own words, to check your understanding. It’s much better than getting it wrong.

 

Dealing with nerves

 

Most interviews expect and allow for some nerves. In fact, it can be seen as a good thing – it shows you’re taking the interview seriously and that the outcome is important to you. That is flattering to the recruiter, and shows that you’re keen to do the job.

 

But of course, it doesn’t help if you’re so overcome with nerves that you can only mumble and sweat. If you prepare yourself well, you should be more confident and that will help to offset the nerves. But if it’s still likely to be a problem, there are some techniques that can help – deep breathing exercises, for example.

The Golden Rules of Being Interviewed

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