Tips for Before an Interview

Interviews can affect people in many different ways. Some people take them in their stride and their confidence exudes from their very being, whereas other people turn into a shaky mess. To make sure you are, at the very least comfortable with the interview, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:

• Make sure you know the company you are interviewing with – have a look at their website, read about their history, what they do and who works there. You won’t necessarily be quizzed on whether you know the history, but often an interviewer will ask what you know about the company. Just knowing a little bit about what they do can give you a tick in the box.
• Allow yourself time to get ready – whether it takes you two hours to get ready or two minutes, allow a little extra than normal for an interview, just in case the inevitable happens and you spill toothpaste on your shirt!
• Try not to use your mobile phone – fiddling around with your mobile while you're waiting can seem a little obnoxious and unprofessional, so turn it on silent in the car or at home before you come in, so you are focused on what you are there for.
• Be polite and friendly to the Receptionist when you arrive – walking in the door for your interview is usually one of the high points of nervousness. Just take a deep breath and smile at your greeter. Often first impressions can make a difference, so make sure you treat the receptionist with the same amount of respect as the person actually interviewing you.
• Make sure you make eye contact and announce yourself – be clear and concise and remember, smile!

These are just a few tips that can help, by increasing your awareness of the outside impacts before you actually venture into your interview.