The Interview

• the interview starts as soon as you enter the building. Be polite, courteous and professional with everybody you meet – the views of a security guard or receptionist may well influence the interview process.
  
• aim to arrive fifteen minutes early. Take a few minutes to relax and prepare, and announce yourself five minutes before the scheduled time.
  
• get a good night’s sleep the night before.
  
• if you smoke – avoid having a cigarette beforehand. The smell may give a bad impression.
  
• avoid excessive usage of caffeine before an interview. Your adrenalin will be pumping already.
  
• greet your interviewer with a firm, but not excessively strong, handshake.
  
• keep eye contact with your interviewers. In a group situation don’t focus on just one interviewer even if that person is the most senior.
  
• be yourself – but maintain a professional demeanour.
  
• think before you answer a question but don’t ponder too long.
  
• if you’re asked a question requiring a long answer, forewarn the interviewer and break the answer down into various parts.
  
• don’t give yes or no answers.
  
• don’t let yourself be bullied in an interview. Prepare to fight back on issues if need be – the interviewer may be testing your strength of character.
  
• try and match your interviewer’s body language.