Final Checks for an Interview

Prior to the Interview

• Ensure that you are dressed appropriately - a good business suit or attire is the norm and shows you have a good attitude towards professionalism. If you don’t have a suit, invest in one. For men - make sure that you have a tie with your shirt. Never ever wear casual clothes i.e. jeans, polo shirts or a plain business shirt.
• Make sure that your shoes are polished or cleaned as cracked or scruffy shoes are not acceptable and can make a good outfit look sloppy.
• Take out any piercing’s which would be considered excessive. This would include any eyebrow piercings, tongue studs or elaborate earrings.
• Ensure that hair is well groomed.
• Keep jewellery to a minimum.
• Do not smoke prior to an interview.
• Don’t wear too much perfume or cologne as some people are more sensitive than others to smell.
• Never ever chew gum in an interview - it shows complete disrespect to the interviewer and comes across as very unprofessional.
• Prepare for any possible questions that could be asked in the interview - know your CV inside out.

During the Interview

• Ensure that you arrive early to an interview, always have the correct directions and know who you are meeting with.
• Turn off your mobile completely. Never answer a phone during an interview.
• Always shake the hand of the interviewer and refer to them by name. Practice and make sure that you had a firm handshake.
• Body language is very important in the interview as 90% of communication is passed on this way.
• Don’t slouch in the chair.
• Keep eye contact but don’t stare at the interviewer. If there are two interviewers switch eye contact between them to show that you are paying attention to both.
• Smile and try to relax.
• Your tone of voice should show enthusiasm and that you really want this job.