| 1. Spend some time researching the company. Check | | | | You want to create a positive vibe. |
| out there website and make note of anything | | | | 7. Shake hands properly. Don't snatch and crush their |
| interesting or particularly relevant to the job you are | | | | fingers or give one of those pathetic limp handshakes. |
| applying for. Print a page or two of relevant | | | | 8. Avoid speaking too much and stay on topic. For |
| information off the website and take it with you to the | | | | whatever reason many of us go into an interview, get |
| interview. This demonstrates interest and | | | | asked a simple question, then proceed to 'bong off' for |
| professionalism on your part - what you want as a | | | | 10 minutes. Give clear and concise answers then |
| first impression. | | | | pause and wait for the interviewer to respond. |
| 2. Rehearse your answers for likely questions and | | | | 9. Do not speak while the interviewer is speaking. Wait |
| think of things relevant to the company and position to | | | | for a break in the conversation. |
| include in your answers. | | | | 10. Make eye contact. Eye contact expresses honesty |
| 3. Wear a suit (skirt or pant suit for ladies). This is the | | | | and self confidence. |
| only appropriate attire to wear to a job interview. I | | | | 11. Be positive and excited. Use your personality, |
| don't care whether you are applying to be CEO of the | | | | achievements and strengths to help get the job. |
| biggest company in the world or are applying for a | | | | 12. Turn a negative into a positive. Instead of saying |
| plumbing apprenticeship. You are not going to work | | | | you don't know something, talk about your ability to |
| you are going to an interview. The appropriate attire | | | | quickly pick things up. |
| for an interview is a suit. End of story. | | | | 13. Do not speak poorly about a current or former |
| 4. Fill out any forms you are given in their entirety and | | | | employer. No matter how reasonable your complaints |
| avoid omitting answers. This demonstrates you do | | | | you will come off looking bad. |
| things properly and follow direction. | | | | 14. Do not ask about pay in the first interview. Once |
| 5. Arrive exactly 10 minutes early. This will give you a | | | | they decide to offer you the job you will be in a much |
| chance to fill in forms they require and make a good | | | | stronger position to negotiate your remuneration |
| impression. Arriving late will obviously make a bad | | | | package. |
| impression. Do not arrive more than 10 minutes early. | | | | 15. Send a short and polite follow up email after your |
| You will seem desperate. If you are early walk around | | | | interview. This will further demonstrate you good |
| the block and just relax. | | | | manners and make sure you are remembered (there |
| 6. Be polite and friendly to everyone you encounter | | | | will nearly always be other people being interviewed |
| within one square kilometer of the interview location. | | | | for the same position). |