- Interview tips

How to impress your potential employer:

Preparation, Travel and Arrival

Always give yourself extra time to get to the interview just in case you get lost. Ensure you have a map, GPS or clear directions so you do not need to contact the receptionist.
Make sure you have printed all the details for the interview and have them with you so you know who to ask for.
If you arrive early, rather wait in the car or go somewhere. Go to the receptionist and ask for the relevant person.
When meeting anyone always maintain eye contact, give a nice firm handshake feel free to smile remembering to mention their name - Hi (client), (your name) pleased to meet you. Even if it’s a woman you are meeting please also give her a firm handshake as a sign of respect.
Ensure your hand is dry and not wet from nerves. Take a tissue with to dry damp brows or clammy hands before meeting the employer.

Job Specification, Selling Yourself, Positivity is the Key to Interview Success

If there is job specification please take it along with your CV to the interview. They are good to refer to should you get nervous and need a little help.
Remember when you give an answer in the interview; this is your window of opportunity to sell yourself and demonstrate your ability in the job at hand. Please ensure you give well explained and thought through answers. This in turn will give the person interviewing you confidence in your ability.
Be confident and sure about what you are saying, there is a balance between being friendly and professional.
Be positive and do not talk badly about previous positions or employers.
Don't panic. If you do not know the answer to a question, answer as best you can or simply tell them you do not know.

Personality, Questions and Interest in the Company

Let your personality come through in the interview. This enables the person opposite you to get to know you in the small amount of time you have together.
Always remember the position they are recruiting you for and the specifics within the job specification so you can mention things you know they would be pleased to hear you have done.
Always be honest about what you know and what you don’t know. Rather tell the interviewer that you don’t have the relevant experience they require but would be willing to learn more about it.
Always have a couple of good questions to ask the client should they ask if you have any questions. Perhaps ask them about the team and the culture etc.
Show an interest in the company and the position being offered. Ensure you have read through the website and have a good understanding of what they do. Have a couple of points written down so you can refer to the points you found particularly interesting.

Importance of Research, Tone and Body Language

Remember the tone of your voice is important, raising the tone if need be to create a happy or interested tone in your voice, however being yourself and not unnatural.
Remember your posture, sitting up, looking relaxed but not stiff and nervous.
Do not fidget.
Look and speak to the whole panel when answering and asking questions.

Dress for Success

A suit is always good to wear for the interview with a freshly ironed white shirt and a conservative yet smart tie. Ensure your shoes are polished if need be. If you look good you feel good, remember first impressions count the most
Your goal should be to come across in the best possible light, smart, professional and relevant for the job and company.
Ensure your personal grooming is spot on.
ladies should wear stockings. No short shirts and plunging necklines.
Wear light make-up, wash your hair and groom your nails.
Ladies, wear a maximum of six pieces of jewellery with only one ring per hand. Earings count for two.
Men, no earings and clean nails.
Do not chew gum and do not interview with your sunglasses on your head.
Ladies, keep your handbag down beside the table and not on your lap.

Exciting but nerve-wracking?

Looking for a new position is an exciting undertaking that can open new doors and career oppertunities. It takes hard work and preperation. Do not rely on chance or luck.
Be clear about what you are trying to achieve. Prepare for that and expend good energy and commitment in achieving your goals.
Lastly just relax and most importantly just be you.

Good Luck, We know you will do well!!!