How to Behave at an Interview

An invitation to an interview means that an employer believes you have the potential to do
the job and it is your chance to convince the recruiter that you are the right person. This is
your chance to back up everything the employer has read about you in your CV and cover
letter, which cannot secure you a job on their own. Interviews can be an extremely
daunting and nerve-racking experience and although unfair, but true, first impressions are
immensely important and the initial seconds of the interview can determine how you are
judged!!
So... how can you guarantee a good interview, sell yourself in the best way and be
successful?
Top Tips
•
Thorough research and self-awareness
•
Be careful not to be over-confident - you do not want to come across as arrogant!
Preparation

Preparation cannot be over-stated and this is the first rule for any interview. To help
prepare yourself and make sure that your performance gets you the job, we have provided
you with some general preparation tips:
•

Research the company, its competitors, position in the marketplace and
challenges/developments within the industry. Know what it's products are, its size,
income, reputation, image, goals, problems. How many people do they employ and
what is the company philosophy? Know all of the up to date information on the
company, which can then be slipped into conversation.
•

Practice for the interview but do not memorise or over-rehearse. Get a friend or colleague to do a mock interview with you to get used to being asked questions and how you portray yourself to others.
•

Prepare a list of questions that you think might be asked and plan your answers. A
useful tip is to look at the job description - this should enable you to define the
qualities the recruiter is looking for and emphasise the skills and experiences that
you have which best demonstrate them.
•

Think of any questions you would like to ask the recruiter about the company and the position you are applying for. This shows you have done some homework and are interested in the company and its business.
•
Dress the part for the job, the company and industry. It is important to portray a
smart business image and it is recommended that both men and women wear suits
and sensible shoes.
•
Read through your CV and cover letter before you attend the interview.

Reference: http://www.scribd.com/doc/42423/How-to-Behave-at-an-Interview