Interview Skills

1) Before Interview:

• Anticipate questions and prepare / rehearse answers.
• Prepare for a first general question e.g. Have you come far today?
• Wear appropriate dress - formal rather than informal.
• Get to the interview on time and do not rush.

2) On Arrival:

• Smile/relax at reception. Remember all the time you are in the building you are
• being viewed by potential employers.
• Don't engage with rivals in a competition. This can often put you off before the interview.
• Don't smoke - chew gum

3) Entering the Interview:

• Enter confidently, smiling at the panel.
• Wait to be shown where to sit.
• Welcome everybody with a greeting e.g. Good Morning.

4) The Interview:

• Sit in a relaxed but alert fashion.
• Do not wave hands and arms when answering questions.
• Do not keep crossing and uncrossing legs as this conveys nervousness.
• Listen carefully to questions.
• Face the person who has asked you the question and answer to them maintaining most eye contact with them.
• Maintain eye contact with the panel.
• Vary length of answers. Do not ramble.
• Always answer the question. If it is a long answer make sure you summarise your views at the end.
• Do not crack jokes.
• If you are humorous be humorous against yourself.
• Be confident about your abilities but show you still want to learn.
• Be enthusiastic, show this in use of voice and mannerisms e.g. occasionally lean forward to convey enthusiasm.
• Anticipate final question e.g. Have you any questions you would like to ask the panel? Prepare an answer.
• Finally, if you do not know an answer be honest and do not try to fool the panel.

5) Leaving the Interview:

• Leaving the room, smile and thank the panel. Stand say goodbye and leave.

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