Congratulations – if you have come this far, you have succeeded in obtaining an interview, and you are one step closer to a new job! The way in which you present yourself at an interview is the most important part of your application – don’t jeopardise it by being unprepared. To help you maximise your chances, we would like to offer you some tips and advices on how to conduct yourself before, during and after interviews with prospective employers.

Before the interview:

• Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, its correct pronunciation, and his/her title.
• Print out your CV / job description / copy of your diplomas and ID / passport and bring them to the interview.
• Bring a pen and paper so you can take notes during the interview.
• Prepare for the interview.
• Dress conservatively, preferably in darker colours. Men should wear a dark suit, matching shirt and tie and have clean shoes. Leave earrings at home. Women should wear a business suit. Everyone should pay attention to all facets of their dress and grooming.
• Obtain clear directions for the location of the interview and plan your journey, allowing plenty of time to arrive.
• Arrive 10 minutes earlier so as to relax and have control over yourself.
• If you are unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately giving the reason and your estimated time of arrival.
• Switch of your mobile phone.
• Be courteous to all employees of the company.

During the interview:

• Introduce yourself courteously. Ensure a firm handshake. A firm handshake shows confidence in yourself and your abilities. Smile!
• Walk slowly, deliberately, and tall upon entering the room.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting down.
• Remember that 85% of communication is non-verbal – keep your expressions open such as your posture, gestures, eye contact, smile, tone of voice, touch.
• Try to match your voice level and tone with the interviewers.
• Show tact, manners, courtesy, and maturity at every opportunity.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer.
• Maintain a high level of eye contact throughout.
• Smile, nod, and give non-verbal feedback to the interviewer.
• Do not hurry any movement.
• Call the interviewer by their title and last name (e.g. Ms. Jones) unless they ask you to call them by their first name.
• Don’t say unfavourable things about previous employers / jobs. Be positive.
• Relax with every breath.
• Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
• Be brief and to the point. Don’t give long-winded answers.
• Be assertive without being aggressive. And show respect.
• Look alert and interested at all times.
• Pace yourself, a good interviewer knows you may need a little time to compose a good response, so do take time to think about answers.
• Salary details should be discussed (unless specifically asked) during the second interview or via the respective consultant

After the interview:

• Express your interest in the role.
• You can ask for the next step in the recruitment process and when to receive feedback.
• Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration of you.
• Leave as assertively as you entered.
• Keep in touch with your consultant – we are always interested in your feedback on what you thought of the role and the company.