Winning Interviews

PREPARATION IS KEY

It will help you to relax if you are fully prepared for the interview. This preparation should include practicalities such as:

- Being clear about where and when the interview is taking place. If you have to call to confirm that you will attending the interview then check the place and time.

- Check your route - Google maps is ideal for this. Work out how long it will take you to get there, leaving 5 - 10 minutes to spare.

- Take at least two copies of your CV application form with you. This will give you something to refer to and handy if an interviewer doesn't have a copy.

- Research answers to a wide range of typical interview questions.

- Prepare a few questions of your own to ask at the end of the interview. For example: "What challenges are there associated with the job?" (This can give you an opportunity to show how you can meet these).

- Find out as much as you can about the employer - check out their website, if they have one.

- Check Your body Language - practice answering questions in front of a large mirror or film yourself answering questions. This is to check your body language and how you may be coming across to an employer.
- Decide what is appropriate to wear (including shoes and accessories) and make sure everything is clean and presentable. If you have bought something new make sure you try it on to ensure it fits and goes with whatever else you might be wearing.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

- Go over your answers to possible questions and read through your CV or application form.

- Have all your interview clothes ready so you are not stressed out by trying to find your left shoe or matching socks at the last moment.

- Make sure you get to bed on time to ensure a good night's sleep. Try not to drink too much alcohol - preferably none at all. It can stay in your system and impair your mental faculties leaving you at a loss if you have to think on your feet giving an answer to a tough interview question.

THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

- Leave for the interview in good time. You want to arrive with at least 5 - 10 minutes to spare. If you arrive too early then see if you can find a nearby café to have a soft drink - try to avoid too much caffeine.

- Don't wear perfume or aftershave! Your perfume or aftershave could subconsciously remind the interviewer of someone they don't like. Strange but true! Or they might not like the perfume or aftershave you are wearing and this could put them off you.

- Take a small bottle of water with you. Interviewers should provide water for you but just in case they don't having your own can help if your mouth feels dry. (If you do need to drink some water during the interview just ask if they'd mind if you had some water).

DURING THE INTERVIEW

- Don't say: "I'm really nervous". This is taken as a given. In most cases, interviewers are aware of this and stating it can give the impression that you lack confidence or are overly timid.

- Have a copy of your CV or application with you to refer to and holding it can give you something to do with your hands.

- Ensure your mobile phone is switched off.

- Never make derogatory remarks about your last employer or colleagues. Even if you worked with the boss from hell, spilling the beans during an interview could make you look like someone who is not able to get on with others. Focus instead on why you want the job you are being interviewed for.

- Don't give one word answers as this can frustrate the interviewer who is trying to find out if you are suitable for the job. Instead, see every question as an opportunity to give examples of your achievements as to why you are the perfect employee.

- If you don't understand a question then say so instead of trying to wing it or avoid it.

- Be enthusiastic and positive - nothing is more attractive to a potential new employer than to have an employee who is not only competent but shows that they would really like to work for them.

I wish you every success.

Janice Robertson is a very experienced Certified, Professional Life Coach and Career Transition Coach. Her business experience includes interviewing hundreds of people on behalf of employers. Sign up for her newsletter via her Website: http://www.designyourlife.uk.com and receive your FREE e-Course: "5 Secrets For A Successful Career Transition" Janice coaches by telephone so you can connect wherever you are in the world and she also offers face to face coaching if you live in London, UK. Contact: 020 8 341 6698 (UK)

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