Never be late! If you have been unavoidably delayed, please telephone your consultant to let them know and to ask whether it is still convenient to attend. It may be necessary to reschedule your interview for later in the day or another day.

• Research - Try to find out a little about the company. Many companies have websites where you can access company information. If you have been recommended by a recruitment agency, your consultant can help you with this.
• Presentation - If you are required to complete an application form, remember to write legibly and neatly, try not to have "cross outs" and complete the form fully.
• Be polite and friendly and answer questions clearly.
• Be positive but honest with your answers. If you do not have experience in a particular area, it is best to be honest coupled with a positive note. e.g. "No I don’t have experience on Excel but I would love to learn!"
• Remain focused and friendly when answering questions, try to avoid one word answers such as "yes" or "no". e.g. Q."Do you catch a bus to come into the city?" A."Yes, I do. It is a very good, direct service from where I live and takes me only 20 minutes."
• Turn your mobile phone off. Switching it to silent/vibrate mode is not sufficient.
• Remember to smile and to thank the interviewer for his/her time when leaving.
• On your way out, another polite tip is to smile at the Receptionist and thank her/him.

The best advice we can give is that you be yourself in an interview, prepare thoroughly and be relaxed. While the lead up to an interview can be stressful and particularly busy, the actual interviews are usually friendly, informal and enjoyable for most applicants.

Possible Interview Topics

It is difficult to predict what questions will be asked by employers at an interview. They often change depending on the role, the interviewers, and the applicant. And don’t forget that although they want to find out about you what they really need to know is how you can help them.

As a guide you should be thoroughly prepared to speak at length about:

• The skills and knowledge that is particularly relevant to that employer
• Your current role, and previous work history.
• Your skills
• Your actual experience
• Why you are leaving your current employer or left past employers
• Anything written on your resume
• Your typing and word processing skills (if relevant to the position)
• The software packages you are familiar with
• Your academic background and studies/qualifications
• Your goals in the short and long term
• Your interpersonal skills
• Your salary expectations
• Your referees
• Your interests outside work
• Strengths on your resume
• Weaknesses on your resume
• Your notice period

As interviewing is a two way process with both you and the employer assessing your mutual suitability you should also want to know about the employers:

• Current business plans
• Clients
• Fields of expertise
• Culture
• Management style
• Future opportunities
• Long term plans
• Team structure and organisation
• Attitude to training
• Leaders and key people

Once you have thought through most of the issues listed above you will find that you are in a good position to answer questions likely to arise at an interview.

Personal Presentation

Remember that the interviewer does not know you and that first impressions make lasting impressions! Please give careful consideration to your personal presentation prior to your interview.

This applies to interviews which may be with a prospective employer or an interview with a recruitment agency.

• Be prepared - starting from the shoes up! Ensure that your footwear is clean and conservative.
• Dress conservatively rather than in the latest trendy gear.
• Ensure that your clothes are neat, clean and pressed.
• Always wear a clean, fresh shirt or blouse.
• A jacket is recommended.
• Wear minimal jewellery. Keep that trendy jewellery for the weekends.
• Make sure that your hands and finger nails are clean.
• Ensure that your hair is clean and neat. Carry a comb or small brush with you to ensure that your hair is well groomed.
• If you have a mobile phone, make sure that it is turned off before you go to your interview