Interview management

Preparing for interview is not something you should do when sat in the client’s reception area. Interview planning needs to be structured, comprehensive and focussed.
 
The core areas to focus on ahead of interview are:

1. research the client’s business and recent news articles
2. fully understand the job description and highlight areas you are not clear with. These often make good questions at the end of an interview and show you are keen to fully understand the role
3. try to research the people conducting the interview. With the many social networking sites available such as LinkedIn and Facebook you can often get extra insight into the key decision makers
4. appearance is paramount and first impressions really do matter. Look the part. Business-like suit, clean and ironed shirt or blouse. Clean shoes. Hair neat and tidy. Keep jewellery to a minimum. Ensure good personal hygiene including fresh breath and clean nails
5. be aware of your own body language. This is essentially everything you say without opening your mouth. Your behaviour from the moment you walk through the door will be monitored by the interviewers
6. regular eye contact is important particularly when answering a question
7. always accept a drink if offered. You will be thirsty after extended periods of talking and it often gives you the opportunity to think what you are going to say whilst taking a drink
8. listen carefully - if you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated
9. be honest
10. never (never!) criticise your current or previous employer
11. show your enthusiasm

You will be asked if you have any further questions at the end of the interview:

1. make sure all questions are relevant
2. ask about training and team development
3. ask about the short and longer term team objectives
4. understand future plans for career progression