Making The Interview Work For You

Ok, you've done it. You've made it to the interview and in doing so you have improved your chances of getting that job from one in one hundred to one in ten.
Now it's the make or brake, do well here and that job is yours. So let's look at how you can ace that interview.

Interview Preparation 

Time spent in preparation is never wasted. One important measure to take is to re-read your CV and think what the interviewer will ask me about. Some questions might be 'why did you leave your last job?' and 'What did you do during period x-y?' Thinking of answers beforehand will save you from having to come up with answers on the spot, and the 'emms' as you think.

Never demand anything of the company before the interview like detailed instructions about the interviews location, written confirmation of time of meeting, policy on expense payments or even job description. These should be provided by the interview as a matter of course but if they don't, ask politely but never demand.

Plan your route to the interview and allow extra time if anything happens to delay your arrival. What's more if the journey is a long one make sure to allow time for a loo-stop.

At The Interview

When at the interview it can be helpful to know what the interviewer is trying to find out about you. Such as:

* Are your qualifications genuine and relevant
* Is your experience as good as your CV suggests
* What you might of left out of your CV or application form
* How good are your people skills

Knowing what the interviewer wants to find out about you enables you to provide it.

During the interview body language can be saying something completely deferent from what you're saying. Make sure it is not saying anything bad this is some of the ways to show good body language.

* Shake hand with the interviewer
* mirror the interviews posture and hand movements
* do not cross your arms during the interview
* focus on the interviewers face
* lean slightly forward in your chair

These may seem trivial but used subtly, they will have a favourable impact.

To finish off is a list of ways to avoid common pitfalls.

* look at the interviewer
* don't slouch
* answer the questions you are asked
* stick to the point and don't go off on tangents
* don't be chummy with the interviewer
* be boneset with the reasons you are on the job market 
* never badmouth previous employers