Interview Advice (cont.)

2. Presenting yourself

An interview is your opportunity to tell prospective employers why you are the best applicant for the job. However, it is important to remember that interviewers often make up their minds about people within minutes - so you should consider the following:

• First impressions

• Appearance

• Body language

• Looking prepared

First Impressions

You may only have a couple of minutes to make a good first impression so try to get off to a good start.

• Enter the room confidently and close the door behind you

• Respond to offered handshakes confidently – avoid crushing the other’s hand and seeming over eager

• Allow the interviewer to take the initiative – do not take over the other person

Appearance

Like it or not, how you look will count for a lot, so give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

• Dress smartly and appropriately

• Pay attention to the details - your hair, nails, shoes and jewellery

• Don’t overdo the perfume or aftershave

• Do not drink alcohol, smoke or eat spicy food just before the interview

• Make sure your clothing is comfortable so as not to distract you during the interview