25 STEPS TO INTERVIEW SUCCESS

So you have found the perfect job and sent in your glittering CV. The next step is crucial; Miriam Muth looks at how to spend the 20 minutes that could secure you your dream job...

BEFORE YOU START…

1. Do your homework: find out as much about the company and position on offer as you can. Nobody expects you to be able to recite sales figures, but if you know what the company does, how it views itself and what aims it has for the future, you will be able to show how you can contribute to their cause.

2. Don’t waste your time. If you already know the job isn’t really for you or you don’t fulfil their criteria, don’t apply.

3. Do make a list of what they are looking for and consider in what ways you fit the bill - make a note of past experiences in which you have displayed the relevant qualities.

4. Don’t fake it: if what you say about yourself in the interview doesn’t match your CV you may raise doubts.

5. Do dress to impress. If you look good, you will feel good, so it is definitely worth spending time on getting the look right.

6. Don’t wear anything uncomfortable. Avoid anything short or tight, you don’t want to have to adjust your clothing during the interview.

7. Do plan your journey: leave plenty of time and remember that you want to arrive looking your best.

8. Don’t turn up more than 15 minutes before your appointment. If you are earlier pop into a café and relax – it won’t hurt a bit!

IN THE CHAIR…

9. Do be open and direct. You are much more likely to connect with the interviewer if you are being yourself.

10. Don’t rush into your answers. Be prepared to think about each question, this will give you time to find the right words and will let your interviewer know that your answers aren’t rehearsed.

11. Do maintain eye contact. Wandering eyes will give your interviewer the impression that you are bored or disinterested.

12. Don’t crowd the interviewer. While eye contact is a good way of responding to what is being said, staring into the interviewer’s face will be unsettling.

13. Do move the conversation into areas where you shine, if they want to know about previous experience, then focus and elaborate on your past successes.

14. Don’t evade the question: talking about your presentation skills when they ask about your IT literacy isn’t going to recommend you to anyone. Respond openly to possible weaknesses in your application and suggest things that you would be willing to do to remedy them.

15. Do ask thoughtful questions that reveal your insight into the job. If you let them know that you have understood what your tasks will be, they will feel that you can start straight away.

16. Don’t ask questions that you could have researched before. Make sure you don’t expose any gaps in your homework. If the information is publicly available and relevant to your application then you should already know it.

17. Do admit weaknesses. If you claim to be entirely perfect, you will sacrifice credibility. Admitting to the odd minor flaw will show that you are honest and open to improvement.

18. Don’t sell yourself short. While modesty may endear you to friends and family, try to strike the right balance for your interview by selling your positive points while remaining approachable.

19. Do let your personality shine through. Remember: they are looking for a colleague not an automaton.

20. Don’t overcompensate. Be yourself, not what you think they want you to be.

WHEN IT’S ALL OVER…

21. Do be available for call back, if they can’t reach you to offer you the job or a second interview, chances are they will move on to the next person on the list.

22. Don’t wait by the phone. Give yourself a fixed time by which you can realistically expect a decision. If they haven’t called by then send a polite e-mail asking whether the position is still vacant and whether you are under consideration.

23. Do collect feedback. Hearing why an interview was unsuccessful can be painful, but if it tells you something that you can work on, it may make a decisive difference to your next interview.

24. Do reward yourself: if you feel that an interview has shown you at your best, give yourself a pat on the back, whatever the outcome.

25. Don’t forget: the choice they make will depend on their specific requirements, which will differ from company to company. It may take several interviews until you come across the company that is looking for someone just like you, but if you present yourself at your best, each interview mastered will be bringing you one step closer to the success that lies ahead.