- Search: Interview tips

Being successful in an interview is vital to getting a new job, but most people find interviews stressful.

But, even if you're nervous, job interviews can be mastered through preparation, and once you're in the interview by following our seven steps to success.

Preparation

The most important thing you can do before your interview is to make sure you prepare properly. Here are our top tips for your time BEFORE the interview.

• Get a job description - find out exactly what you're going to be expected to do in this job, so that you can tailor your questions and answers accordingly.
• Find out about the company - research into the company and exactly what it does is essential. It's also a good idea to find out who their competitors are, so that you can drop their names into the interview.
• What are your strengths and why are you right for the role? This is one of the most common questions interviewees are asked, so take time to plan your answer. Consider what your skills, achievements and qualities are, and how exactly will they help you do this job well.
• What are your weaknesses? Be aware of any weaknesses you have, but have an action plan of how you'll address them.
• Work out how you're going to get there. Being late is a big no-no - unless you can prove your train was blown off the line by a freak tornado. Do a dry-run in advance and build in plenty of time for any potential mishaps.
• Find out what the company dress code is - there's nothing worse than turning up to a job interview in your best Armani suit if the interviewer is in jeans and a T-shirt, or vice versa. Plan your interview outfit in advance - make sure it's clean and smart and that you're comfortable in it.

Job Search

Keywords:

Location:

Sector:
- Select a Sector - AccountancyAdmin - SecretarialAutomotiveBanking - FinanceBiotechBusiness DevelopmentBusiness OpportunityCatering - HospitalityCharity - Not for ProfitConstructionCustomer Service - Call CentresDesignDistribution - ShippingEducationEngineeringFacilitiesFinanceFranchiseGeneral BusinessGeneral LaborGraduateGroceryHealth - NursingHuman ResourcesInstallation - Maint - RepairInsuranceInventoryITLegalLegal AdminManagementManagement ConsultancyManufacturingMarketing - Advertising - PRMedia - New MediaNurseOtherPharmaceuticalPropertyPublic SectorPurchasing - ProcurementQA - Quality ControlRecruitment SalesResearchRestaurant - Food ServiceRetail - WholesaleSalesScienceSenior AppointmentsSkilled Labor - TradesStrategy - PlanningSupply ChainTelecommunicationsTrainingTransportation - LogisticsWarehouse

Search

[Advanced Search]

The interview

So, how should you approach the interview itself? Follow these seven steps to interview success.

1. Be polite and friendly - nobody wants to be a sourpuss, but don't get carried away and behave like long-lost friends either.
2. Be clean, fresh and smart - you might be going for a job where the dress code is informal, but that's no reason to turn up unshaven, wearing yesterday's make-up, or a bit smelly. And don't overdo the aftershave/perfume - it can be very off-putting.
3. Be interested and interesting - make the effort to be enthusiastic and interested in what the interviewer is saying and keep your voice 'up' and positive no matter how anxious you feel inside.
4. Be articulate - if you tend to speak too quickly, spend some time practising talking slowly beforehand and try to speak clearly and with confidence. Try to give longer answers than just yes or no.
5. Be concise - if you see your interviewer starting to look at the clock, the wall, the insides of their eyelids, then you're probably talking too much. The worst thing you can do is bore them; remember, they're looking for someone they want to work with.
6. Be honest - don't lie about your previous experience or skills; it'll backfire later on. If you don't understand a question, ask them to clarify it. They'll appreciate your honesty.
7. Be prepared - this has been covered above, but make sure you're ready for the standard 'Do you have any questions for us?', and actually have some questions. If you say no, they'll think you don't care.

Interview over, smile, thank the interviewer for seeing you, shake hands and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

If you've taken our advice and still don't get the job, consider it their loss. Otherwise see the interview as a practice run - and get it right next time!