Tips to Help with that First Interview

Interviews can be scary as it’s the first chance your prospective employee gets of deciding whether or not you’d be a great fit for them, and after all, first impressions count.

We’ve put together some helpful tips and pointers to support you along the way:

• Research the company thoroughly – it’s important to have developed an understanding as it demonstrates your keen and interested in what the company does
• Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and name of the person you are meeting
• Plan your route (try to arrive 10 minutes before your interview in order to compose yourself and calm the nerves!)
• Take a copy of your CV for the interviewer/s
• During the interview, answer the questions briefly, but try to avoid no or yes answers. It’s important not to embellish answers, honesty is key!
• Remember firm handshake and thank them for their time
• Body language is key – don’t play with your hair or your hands, try not to create defensive barriers, maintain a natural eye contact, above all try to be natural
• Dress appropriately – it may vary from smart, formal wear to very formal dress in others. Try and get an insight into what the company would expect from employees or through observation

Interviewers also tend to open up the floor at the end of the interview to any questions you may have. It is important that you have some prepared as it demonstrates interest and a curiosity. Good questions to ask are:

• What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
• Are there any challenges associated with this position?
• Is there any possibility of progression within the company?
• Are there any training opportunities within this position?
• How is performance measured?

Finally, and most importantly don’t panic!