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First impressions are powerful. An initial impression has more of an impact than people realise. Employers often use the interview as a way to confirm their first impression of you. You can turn this to your advantage by making a positive first impression, which in turn, sets a favourable tone for what happens during your interview. Your goal is to create the aura of an individual who is confident, self-assured and gracious. The way you dress frames the picture - the way you behave colours the portrait of who you are.

Performance Tips

• Arrive at least 10 - 15 minutes before the established time. Allow for unexpected traffic and/or parking difficulties.
• Introduce yourself to the secretary or receptionist.
• Show courtesy and respect to everyone you meet. More than one applicant has lost out because of a rude remark or a patronising manner at the front desk.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor. A natural smile will punctuate your conversation and add to your presentation.
• Try to select a seat that places you directly opposite the interviewer. Wait to sit down until the interviewer offers you a chair or is seated.
• Treat the interviewer as a potential colleague and establish a rapport as you would with a peer. Show respect, but do not place the interviewer on a pedestal.
• Maintain an “open” body position. Lean towards the interviewer a bit to show interest.
• Look at the interviewer. Direct eye contact is important.
• Avoid irritating habits such as pen clicking, pencil tapping, hair twisting, foot swinging and knuckle cracking.
• Do not smoke, chew gum or drink coffee during the meeting.
• Limit the amount of personal information you provide. It is not pertinent to the job and it may be a red flag to the interviewer.
• Review a business etiquette book to refresh your memory on the manners, introduction protocols and other details of appropriate, professional behaviour.
• Remember that you have a valuable contribution to make to an organisation.
• Relax, keep in mind that you are just two human beings meeting with one another in order to get to know each other better. The fate of the universe does not hang in the balance.
• Immediately contact your consultant after your interview to discuss the meeting and to give and receive feedback. He or she can then answer any additional questions the employer might have and may be able to ease the process.

Your behaviour during the Interview

The following are some key negative behavioural traits to avoid at the interview.

• Overbearing - aggressive - conceited ‘superiority complex’ - ‘know-it-all’ attitude.
• Lack of planning for career - no purpose or goals.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm - passive and indifferent.
• Lack of confidence - nervousness. If you are nervous, say so.
• Over-emphasis on money - interested only in remuneration.
• Evasive - makes excuses for unfavourable aspects in past record.
• Lack of tact/maturity/courtesy.
• Condemnation of past employers. Never belittle a past employer.
• Persistent attitude of “What can you do for me?’
• Lack of preparation for interview - failure to get information about the company, resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.
• Lying. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as to the point as possible.
• ‘Over answering’ questions. Try not to say more than is necessary.

Nonverbal Communications

Words express only about 30 - 35% of what people actually communicate. Nonverbal communications such as facial expressions, body movement and actions convey the rest. During an interview, what you convey nonverbally may be as important as what you say. Keep these “body language” clues in mind:

• Facial Expressions: eyes are a key nonverbal indicator. Looking away indicates shyness, dislike or a lack of interest. Eye contact indicates a desire for communication, feedback and friendliness.
• Posture: the way you sit or stand can convey energy or fatigue, interest or boredom. Walk and sit with a confident air. Lean toward an interviewer to indicate interest and enthusiasm.
• Voice and Gestures: a well-modulated voice with a moderate pitch and inflection conveys interest and appropriate excitement. Be aware of gestures, which might convey anxiety and interfere with your message.

Closing the interview

• Let the interviewer know how interested you are in the position. If they offer you the position and you want it, accept on the spot. If you’d like some time to think it over and talk with a spouse or family member, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you can provide an answer.
• Don’t be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with their office first or interview more applicants before making a decision.
• Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration of you.

After the interview

Last and most importantly, promptly call your consultant after the interview and explain what happened. They will want to talk with you before the interviewer calls them back. If you are interested in progressing further it will assist if your feelings towards the position are known, together with your perception of what the client’s reaction is likely to be.