Interview Techniques.

So you’ve been successful and made it to the interview stage – well done! Make sure you get that job by following these essential top ten interview tips from Fruition IT.

1. Do your homework
   Make sure you’ve done your homework on the company before you go to interview. Knowing the organisation puts you at an advantage and shows you’re keen.
   
   
2. Be prepared
   Anticipate interview questions and prepare answers. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you will feel. You can always practice with a friend or partner so that the real interview will feel less daunting as you’ll have got used to talking about you.
   
   
3. Dress for success
   First impressions are absolutely critical, and decisions are often made in the first few minutes, so make sure you’re well-presented from head to toe. If in doubt, be over-smart rather than under-dressed.
   
   
4. Body language
   Make sure you maintain eye contact with everyone on the interview panel throughout the process, and think about your posture too. Leaning back into your chair or too far forward can give a bad impression. Make sure you stay upright and alert.
   
   
5. Ask questions
   Wanting to find out more about the company and the role shows initiative and enthusiasm. Make sure you have an interesting question prepared on the company’s latest annual report or a recent article in the news.
   
   
6. Listen carefully
   Pay attention to the questions, but don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it. You don’t want to start waffling or go off on a complete tangent.
   
   
7. Set the tone.
   Make sure your handshake is firm and you greet the interviewer with a warm smile. You will appear confident, likable, polite and happy to be at the interview - but not desperate.
   
   
8. Sell, sell, sell
   Take extra copies of your CV, along with any examples of your work or a case study about a particular career achievement that has added some real value and benefit to previous employers.
   
   
9. Be on time!
   Make sure you know exactly where you’re going before you set off for an interview, and leave yourself plenty of time. Being late for an interview is not a good start. If you arrive far too early, don’t go to the office where the interview is being held but find a coffee shop near by. Arriving 10 minutes early is fine – an hour early isn’t.
   
   
10. … and relax
    Keeping relaxed when you’re nervous might seem impossible, but keep your cool and stay focused before and during the interview. If you suffer with your nerves, why not try out some relaxation techniques?