How to be at your best at your next job interview …

1. How to be at your best at your next job interview …

2. Don’t arrive late Don’t smoke before or during an interview Avoid over dressing or under dressing. Avoid having an overbearing/aggressive/”know it all”/”What can you do for me?” attitude. Don’t make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers Avoid placing undue emphasis on money, and don’t raise the subject too early in the interview. Prepare, prepare, prepare!!! Avoid making classic mistakes

3. First Impressions Last!The first 30 seconds are critical. • Dress conservatively, preferably in darker colours. • Stand when the interviewer enters the room. • Shake hands firmly whilst greeting the interviewer by name. • Smile and relax • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while you talk.

4. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while you talk. • Be confident, look alert and interested at all times. • Relate your background and skills to the position. • Make sure you get your strengths across to the interviewer. Keep in mind you are selling your skills and ability. • Find a balance between getting enough information, but not asking too many questions. • Research the company Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present and former employers.

5. Why would you like to work for us? What would previous employers say about you? What is your major weakness and what have you done about it? What has been the most difficult time in your career and how did you handle it? What are you looking for in a role? What are your strengths and what are you really good at? How would people describe you? What can you bring to this business? Questions to answer

6. Questions to ask • A detailed job description • What attributes are you looking for in a candidate. • Why has the position become available? • The induction and training program • What advanced training programs are available? • What are the company’s growth plans and how might I fit into them? • What is the next step?