Some pieces of advice will help you to bear your job interview successfullyInvestigate: what company is like before you apply for the job. Are they really the kind of organization you want to work for? Write an effective CV. Keep it brief and simple – a badly written one will lose you the job before you get to the interview stage. Discover as much as you can about the interview. This means finding out exactly who will be conducting the interview, what position they hold, and whether it’s an informal chat or a formal interview, possibly in front of a whole panel of interviewers. Dress the part. Even if the job is in a modern company where the code is casual, you should dress formally for the interview – a suit is always safe. Never keep your overcoat or mac on during the interview – this will make you an outsider from the start. If possible take it off outside the interview room. Think positively and confidently about yourself. From the moment you decide to apply for the job think about (and write down) all qualities you have to offer the company as well as the reasons you would suit the job. Use the interview to discover as much about the job as possible. Even if they offer it to you on the spot ask for some time to consider their offer. Is it right for you and them? Be aware of your body language. Most interviewers don’t realize it but they are influenced by your body language the moment you walk into the room. Be assertive, smile, look the interviewer in the eye, and give a firm handshake. Don’t lean too far over the desk or slump in the chair with your arms crossed. Practice your “entrance” at home with a friend so you feel comfortable. Keep a balance of power throughout the interview. From a psychologist’s point of view this is what interviews are all about! Don’t be too timid or allow the interviewer to dominate you because an interview is a two-way process, and you are to decide whether you want the job. It’s as important for you to ask questions about your potential job as it is for the interviewer to question you. But don’t be over-confident and cheeky. No one likes a “difficult” candidate however good your qualifications are. Keep calm before and during the interview. Three-quarters of people feel anxious about job interviewers and their nervousness often lets them down. The key is to learn interview skills which are important as job skills, and control your nerves. Remember the interviewer may be nervous as well. Find out in the job interview. The exact title that you are applying for; the responsibilities you would have in the new job; the reporting structure – one boss or two; the salary for this position.
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