| CV Tips | Interview Tips | Developing Self-Esteem | Goal Setting |

Before the interview

• Research the employer - Use the internet to research company website, check the local library, local press releases, speak in depth to your recruitment consultant
• Research the job - Find out what skills, attributes, knowledge that the ideal candidate should have - DO YOU FIT THEIR CRITERIA?
• Research yourself
  - Why do you want this job?
  - Does it meet your career goals?
  - What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  - What uniqueness do you have to offer the organisation?
• Prepare Questions and Answers - Think about your responses to the general areas of questioning such as skills, personality, criteria for the job, flexibility within the role, past experience, role play scenarios
• Test Run - It is always useful to test run an interview situation with someone to fine tune your interview skills

Day Before - Get a good night's sleep!

Prepare your clothes for the interview - 1st Impressions count!
- Males: Good clean, ironed/dry-cleaned suit, smart shirt, smart tie, and polished shoes is always best;
- Females: Smart Suit /Blouse, skirt/ trousers, smart low-heeled shoes

On the day

DO: BE YOURSELF - employers want to know the real you, not who you may think they want!

• give a firm handshake and greet each interviewer in turn
• establish rapport with the interviewers, remember, they're often nervous too
• smile confidently as appropriate
• sit comfortably upright
• listen carefully to the questions and ask for clarification if you aren't sure what's being asked
• take your time and think about your answers
• make eye contact with the person who asked the question, but don't stare
• use positive words
• speak clearly

DON'T

• smoke, chew gum, tobacco or anything else
• appear too casual
• criticise anyone
• lie, always be as honest as possible
• ask about pay and conditions, there's time for this if you're being offered the job.