Before the interview
It is especially important to browse their website and learn about the Company. Think about yourself as if you were interviewing yourself. Think about the job you are applying for and why it suits you/you suit it (if you realise it's a match made in heaven, your enthusiasm will show and this will increase your chances).
Be honest with yourself about your own strengths and weaknesses and prepare possible answers (remembering that weaknesses can be strengths and vice versa). Apart from core skills, the interviewer is looking for someone who can either save them time and money or make them time and money. What benefits can you offer in this respect?
They will also be looking for someone who can get on well with others and take direction when necessary. Please dress in a business-like manner, clean and smart - and please… switch off your mobile phone before you go in!
At the interview
Relax. If you have prepared properly, your interview will be plain sailing - and you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. They may ask the odd question that really stops you in your tracks. Don't panic. Take a short pause (2 or 3 deep breaths) while you think. If no answer comes, be honest and ask if you can return to the question later - be warned, they may remember to come back to it!
When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, it goes down well if all your questions are about the Company - it's successes, plans, position in the market etc. Unless they ask you, it is best to avoid asking any questions about pay and benefits, but acceptable to ask about career prospects, the Company's training policy, staff turnover etc.
One very good final, almost parting, question is to ask if the interview has highlighted any concerns or issues which would deter them from employing you. This gives you the chance - on the spot - to nip any objections in the bud instead of reading about them in a rejection letter and having no opportunity to answer.
If this is the job for you and it fires your enthusiasm - make sure the interviewer knows it. Don't be afraid to tell them if you want this job. Use eye contact and smile J
Finally, Thank them for their time and consideration.
After the interview - The Interview De-brief
As soon as possible write down what happened at the interview. What went right? What went wrong? Which questions did you goof on? Where did you excel? Now read it through and give each point some thought (and additional notes if you like) for next time - well, your interview can only go one of two ways: You either got an offer or you didn't but, either way, the process is the same. If you were not successful, you've learned some valuable lessons to improve at the next interview - just go back to Step One and give it a re-think. If you were successful this time, it doesn't mean you'll never be job-hunting again.
If you forgot or did not get the opportunity to thank the interviewer for his/her time and interest in you, now is a good time.
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