Interview Basics for Jobseekers

• Dress professionally, irrespective of the role you are applying for – neat and tidy hair, clothes, shoes and don’t forget the finger nails!
• Don’t be late – arrive at your destination with plenty of time to spare and use the time to go over your resume.
• Don’t forget to be nice to everyone – especially the receptionist!
• Greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
• Don’t take your parents, partner or a friend along for moral support.
• Make eye contact with your interviewer.
• Watch your body language – sit up straight, unfold your arms and give the interviewer your full attention.
• Listen carefully to questions and if you don’t understand ask for more information.
• Turn off your mobile phone!
• Don’t bring takeaway coffee with you.
• Don’t bad mouth former employers or co-workers – it makes you look unprofessional.
• Answer questions using the STAR technique if asked for an example eg, ‘Tell me about a time when …’
• Don’t ramble – stay on track and answer directly, keeping it concise.
• Make sure you have prepared a list of questions for the interview – don’t say ‘You already answered my questions’.
• Know your resume inside out and back to front – questions will come from the resume.
• Be prepared to provide referees – have their contact information ready so you don’t have to troll through your phone to find their numbers.
• Take copies of tickets, licenses, qualifications, etc. in case you are asked to provide them.
• Know what the company does, makes or sells – do your research – it is expected.
• Don’t be negative – your job search journey may not have been an easy one but you’ve got an interview; don’t blow it by complaining.
• Be honest – don’t misrepresent yourself – it is simply not worth it if you are found out.
• Be prepared – you should have rehearsed answers to common interview questions and be ready to express yourself clearly.
• If you’ve been guilty of any of these, here’s your chance to correct it before the next interview. If not, don’t forget the basics for each and every interview.

Get these little things right – they will boost your confidence so that you present well.