After much form-filling and resume perfecting, you have finally been offered an interview. You now have a chance to prove yourself face-to-face.

Take confidence from the fact that you have made the shortlist. This indicates that you obviously have a lot of the qualifications and qualities required for the role and the working environment. 

Now you have to show that you are the best person for the job.

Make sure you arrive in good time. Check bus and train times and petrol and parking if you are driving. 

Always allow extra time to get to your appointment. If you are early, you can always find a café to relax in and re-read your notes. 

During the interview make sure you listen carefully and answer all questions concisely and positively.  Where possible and appropriate, make sure you show your enthusiasm.

What influences the interviewer?

• Your personality and how you present yourself in the interview
• Your experience
• The qualifications you have for the position
• Your background and references
• The enthusiasm you have towards the organisation and position

Do:

• Arrive ten minutes early
• Answer the question that is asked and do not volunteer irrelevant information
• Keep your answers concise and concentrate on the facts not opinions
• Speak clearly and confidently and do not allow yourself to be discouraged
• Make sure you speak to all of the people present (if it’s a panel) rather than focusing on one person
• Constantly remind yourself that you have something to sell and focus on how you can make a positive contribution in the role
• Find out as much as you can about the organisation and the job

Don't:

• Be late
• Try to be too clever
• Lie, pretend or give evasive answers
• Lose your temper, get flustered or panic
• Criticise your current/former employers
• Interrupt the interviewer