Research

Find out as much as you can about the company, from their website, company literature, contacts etc. Facts to find include:

• Company turnover
• Who owns the company?
• Year established
• How many people do they employ?
• How many sites does it have?
• What exactly is their business or service?
• Who are their competitors?
• Do they own any other companies, are they part of a larger organisation?
• What is their company philosophy?
• Where they stand in the market place

Prepare a list of questions you wish to ask the interviewer. Check out in advance the location of the interview and parking facilities/bus timetables/taxi etc Make sure you know the name and position of the person interviewing you.

A good impression is the best impression

• First impressions count so always arrive smart and professional looking, even if you have heard they operate a dress down policy, keep the suit, you can always dress down later
• Be punctual, arriving late gives a bad impression from the off
• Body language is very important - always sit upright but relaxed
• Try not to be nervous, speak clearly and confidently (without coming over as being arrogant!)

On Meeting

• Shake hands firmly, smile and make eye contact
• Always appear interested in the job and joining the company and keep eye contact
• Concentrate on your strengths, avoid negatives, when talking about a weakness is unavoidable, convey the message that you recognise it but are striving to overcome it.
• Listen carefully during the interview to avoid misunderstanding
• Avoid fidgeting and nervous body language, do not cross your arms
• Give clear and concise answers - don't ramble on

Common interview questions - prepare your answers

• What do you know about our organisation?
• What attracted you to our company?
• Why are you leaving your current position?
• What attracted you to this particular vacancy?
• What skills/attributes do you feel you can offer our organisation?
• Which of your jobs have you enjoyed the most? Why?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Prepare a few examples)
• What 3 key words would describe you?
• What have you done that shows you are a team player?
• What have you done that shows initiative?
• What is most important to you at work?
• Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
• What training have you received which is relevant to this role?

Questions to ask the interviewer

• What is the company's training policy?
• Why does the position exist?
• Is there any scope for promotion and if so when?
• Who will I be working with?
• Will there be a second interview?
• When will you make your final decision?
• What is the salary and what benefits does the package include?

At the end of the interview

• Thank them for their time and smile
• Shake hands again
• Express how you would love to have the opportunity to work with them