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Our expert recruiters have dealt with a range of organisations and have a broad awareness on what they are looking for when it comes to interviews. Below are our interview tips and advice on how to succeed in interviews.
The day before the interview
Do your research
The better prepared you are, the more relaxed and comfortable you will be. Being unprepared will be obvious in your body language and tone as well in the answers that you provide. Before the interview, it is a good idea to gather information about the company that has the position vacant and try to relate your experience to the specific duties of the job opportunity available.
Look the part
Dress for success! At an interview it is extremely important to look, act and dress professionally as you won’t have a second chance at making a good first impression. Ideally, a business suit should be worn. Clean shoes, clean finger nails and clean well groomed hair are important.
We can’t overemphasise how important first impressions are. Research has shown that an interviewer has made an impression within the first eight seconds of meeting the person. The remainder of the interview is spent confirming this opinion, or turning this opinion around.
Plan ahead
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Practice interviewing - Enlist a friend (better yet, a group of friends and colleagues) to ask you sample questions. Practice making eye contact
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Video record your practice sessions - Pay attention to body language and verbal presentation. Eliminate verbal fillers, like “uh,” and “um.” Practice using positive body language to signal confidence, even when you’re not feeling it.
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Handle logistics early - Have your clothes, CV, and directions to the interview site ready ahead of time, to avoid any extra stress.
Anticipate likely questions
To get to the motivations and working style of a potential employee, employers often turn to behavioural interviewing, an interviewing style which consists of a series of probing, incisive questions. This may sound a little intimidating; however with a little preparation you can feel confident before the interview.
View example interview questions that you may be asked and how best to approach answering it.
During the interview
A firm (but not bone crunching) handshake with a positive smile will do wonders when you first meet your Interviewer. Some small chit chat from the reception area to the interview room will also help. These are the vital seconds (not minutes) in making your first impression.
Body language is also very important in your interview. Come across confident and relaxed. We suggest sitting up straight, leaning forward slightly and always maintaining good eye contact with the interviewer or panel. Looking disinterested will not get you the job.
If offered a drink accept it as this can help and can be used as a prop to perhaps give you some time to answer a difficult question.
DEEP BREATHS: Take deep breaths to relax, keep calm and focus the mind.
RELAX: Try not to let your nerves show through your body language
OPEN: Ensure you are sitting in an open comfortable position
LEANING: Lean slightly toward the interviewer to show your interest
EYE CONTACT: Make eye contact with the interviewer
Related interview advice
• CBI - Competency Interview Questions