Presentation specialist Dan Bond gives some tips and insights on how to nail your next interview.

Pre Interview Research

Know the Business …….Know the Job ………Know yourself

•  Check description of the employers business and its Mission Statement.
•  News – what’s been happening in the employers business recently?
•  Note the language in the advert so you can use them when you are interviewed..
•  Look for ways to connect your skills and education to the job.
•  Read up on specific skills / legislation relevant to job requirements / new innovations.
•  Write out examples giving things you have achieved; problem/action/result.

Pre Interview Preparation

“Success comes when preperation meets opportunity”

What they might ask you ………

Create answers to the key questions.  Don’t be general “I’m a hard worker / I’m good at my job”.  Be specific – relevant skills, relevant experience… use examples – problem / actions / result:

What you might ask them ………

Create questions that you can ask your interviewer  and do not make these questions about things you should have learned from the website.

Negative Note: Never assume in your answers to questions that they have read your CV.

Negative Note: Never put down people, products, companies or employees.

Pre Interview Practical Stuff

“If you’re not practicing, somebody else is and he or she will be ready to take the job”

• Practice your questions and answers – with a friend & on your own.
• Practice everything, even sitting down it can change your mind-set.

On the day

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

Get your head in a good place:

• Play positive music
• Have a chat with a positive friend
• Give yourself some positive affirmations

NO MATTER WHAT TIME YOUR INTERVIEW IS …. HAVE BREAKFAST

WRITE YOURSELF A CHECK LIST TO TICK OFF: Phone, Money, Address of interview, CV, Letters etc.

ARRIVE TEN MINUTES EARLY

Make a positive entrance

• Positive posture – shoulders back and down
• Positive face – don’t just smile think of something good that will make your eyes  smile
• Positive eye contact – slow and clear with everyone in the room as soon as you enter

Follow-through positively

• Strong and assertive handshake with a smile and eye contact
• Sit back in your chair
• Maintain positive posture when seated – shoulders back and down
• Relaxed hands in your lap or on the arms of the chair
• Reassert eye contact and positive thoughts once seated

Negative Note: DON’T TALK TOO MUCH – LISTEN LOTS (so you can answer the questions properly)

Negative Note: NO KNEEJERK RESPONSES ………… PAUSE AND PROVIDE CONSIDERED ANSWERS

APPROPRIATE ENTHUSIASM IS VITAL (It is unlikely anyone will see enthusiasm as a negative)

SMILE (Think of something / someone positive)

LOOK FOR THE POSITIVES IN ALL YOUR ANSWERS AND COMMENTS

Create a positive close

• Use your summary close to the end of the interview.
• Thank the interviewers for their time.
• Strong and assertive handshake with eye contact.
• When you are done you are done don’t hang around.