Called in for the interview - now what?

Statistically, interview decisions are made within the first sixty seconds before the candidate has even opened their mouth! How you walk, how you say ‘hello’ and how you are dressed all go to form a positive or negative image. There are several things interviewers for any position will look out for:

* First impressions
* Relevant experience
* Necessary skills
* Reason for applying
* Preparation

Recognised qualifications may be required for many careers in industry, but for any post, the first impression must be a positive one. You have to bear in mind the number of applicants applying for most appointments these days, so you only have a few minutes to make your mark, to create a positive image. So what makes for a successful interview? The most important thing is preparation. For many jobs you must look right and have a smart business like appearance, but it all depends on the position you are seeking. If, for instance, you have a ring in your nose, providing you look business like and are smart it should not be an issue; on the other hand, it could awake in-built prejudices within the interviewer. So be aware and do your research beforehand!

A successful interview will flow, and you will achieve a good rapport with your interviewer. Eye contact is very important as we cannot tell what someone thinks or means unless we look into their eyes. They really are the window of the soul, so respond to the person who has asked the question; even if that person is busy writing notes, they are still listening. Listening skills are essential for you too; an interview can be thrown off course if you answer the question you thought you heard rather than the one that was asked. It sounds obvious, but it's surprising how many people (usually through nerves) rush into an answer. Listen not only to the question, but to the question behind the question.

Remember - the first process is rejection - the second is selection.
* Know what you are applying for.
* Don’t send any projects or proof of work unless requested to do so
* Fill in application form properly - don’t just say ‘refer to CV’
* Find out as much as possible about the organisation and what it does
* Talk to people who work in that industry to find out what the job entails
* Find out what makes a person successful in that job
* Use as many contacts as you can
* Be honest in your CV - don’t build up your experience as the interviewer will see through it. Make sure it is well presented
* Go online, read relevant magazines or talk to the HR department to find out more.
* If information isn’t forthcoming demonstrate that you have tried to find it
* Have an early night!