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Interviews can be extremely daunting whether you have had plenty of experience of them or not. However, as long as you are thoroughly prepared for what lies ahead, there is no reason why your nerves cannot be used to your advantage to help you to enhance your performance.
In general, you will be given advance warning of your interview date so you should have plenty of time to do your homework. It is important to research the company and the specific role you are applying for. Also, prepare a list of any questions that you might wish to ask at the interview - an employer likes to see you taking an active interest.
Make sure that you know exactly where you have to be and at what time. It will create a very bad impression if you turn up to the interview late because you got lost on the way. Ensure you know the name of the person you need to ask for.
First impressions are absolutely essential when turning up for an interview and this does not just mean how you introduce yourself but also how you look. Your appearance is not only important for the impression that it gives the interviewer but also for your own self-confidence. It is generally accepted that if you look good, you feel good.
It is often advisable to bring along a pen and paper to the interview in case there is anything you want to make a note of. Also, it can be useful to bring a copy of your CV or any application form that you have had to complete so that you can refresh your memory whilst you are waiting to go in.
The interview itself can take any number of formats ranging from a simple question and answer session in an informal setting to a presentation to a panel of interviewers. It can also include group activities and aptitude tests so you should be prepared for all eventualities. However, there are some particularly common questions that almost all interviewers will ask and these include:
As long as you have prepared well, none of these questions should be particularly difficult for you.
Your body language throughout the interview is also important as this can give away a lot about your personality. Here are some positive body language techniques:
This is essential when trying to convey trust and confidence but should not be overdone as this can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and suggest over-familiarity
Not too hard as this implies arrogance and not too limp because it suggest weakness
Smile with open lips and tilt your head slightly to show that you are attentive
This indicates openness and sincerity
This conveys a sense of authority
Crossing your arms
Feet tapping, looking down, slouching, head resting in hands
Locked ankles, fidgeting, playing with hair, biting nails
Brisk and erect walk, hands clasped behind head
Hands on hips, angry gestures including banging fists on tables and pointing
Rubbing eyes or nose
Generally, the last stage of the interview will be when the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them. Always try to ask something here as this will help to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role. Also, do your best to find out when you can expect to hear if you have been successful.
After the interview, if you do not hear from the company within the specified time, it is perfectly acceptable to telephone them and politely enquire whether a decision has been reached. If it has and you were successful, then very well done but if not, then it is important not to allow yourself to become too disheartened but rather to learn from the experience and use it to help improve your performance at the next interview you attend. Remember, it may simply be that there was somebody else who was just that little bit more experienced or qualified than yourself so you should not necessarily assume that it is a reflection on your interview skills.
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