Firstly – Dress smart! Even if the interviewer has told you to dress casual (a common trick).

Make sure that you are professional, remember you are going to be representing this persons company. Shake hands firmly, if you’re offered a cup of tea or coffee take it. It shows that you are relaxed and at ease. If you don’t drink tea or coffee, ask for a water. If you need to, takes notes. A good idea is to always keep eye contact when being talked to and don’t interrupt! Every fibre of your body could be screaming at you to ask a certain question but wait until the interviewer has finished before asking.

If there are two people in the room make sure your answers are directed back at both of the people. Ask lots of open questions – what, who, where, when etc. Asking about a pension is a clever trick because it suggests that you want to stay for a long time. Try not to fidget too much and over gesticulating with your hands can be a bit off putting so try and keep them on your lap (but not folded). At the end of the interview thank them for seeing you and say you hope to hear from them soon. If you have not heard back from them within a week, ring up and in a friendly manner ask if they have an answer for you yet.

If you get turned down – Don’t panic! Think positive and tell yourself that it is there loss. There will be plenty of other opportunities coming your way. Never take it personally.

This section is very straightforward and you should use your common sense and think about how you would like someone to behave if you were interviewing them.

• If the interviewer’s door is shut then knock and wait for an answer.
• Shake hands firmly (don’t break their fingers though!)
• Always accept a tea or coffee (or water) if offered, it shows you are relaxed and at ease.
• Always maintain eye contact.
• Always act appropriately, don’t tell jokes etc.
• LISTEN
• Let the interviewer finish what he/she is talking about.
• Never interrupt or speak over the interviewer.
• Ask questions.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about money if the issue is not raised, but leave it towards the end of the interview.
• Always be polite and thank the interviewer for their time even if you think that has not gone well.

Towards the end of the interview try and get some commitment as to when you will be informed of the outcome. If they seem a bit unsure and say “it will be sometime next week” then politely ask if it would be ok to contact them on Thursday if you have not heard anything.

When ringing back be clear and consise and let them know the reason of the call. Don’t ask for if you have the job. Just ask if they have come to a decision yet.

If you are uncessful don’t worry! It will be there loss! Never take it personally.