A few tips to improve your performance at interview.

1. Punctuality

Be on time. Make sure you know the address of the place your going to and if necessary, print a map. Leave plenty of time for delays and always carry the contact details of your interviewer with you just in case.

2. Bring Everything With You

Keep all the documents that you have been asked to bring to your interview with you in a nice, smart folder. Double check you have everything with you before you leave for your interview.

3. Be Polite

Be friendly and professional to everyone you meet on the day of your interview. You never know who’s been asked to keep an eye on you or if the receptionist is also the bosses wife!

4. No Red

Red is definitely not an interview color. The natural emotions associated with the color red are lust, passion, anger and confrontation. Save red for a night at the opera.

5. Research

Read more in Employment
« Top 10 Tips for Getting a Job
Why Should We Hire You? »

Find out about the company. What are their values? This will also help you to tailor your skills to the position as well as showing your knowledge of the company and your enthusiasm for working with them. 

6. Back It Up

Whatever you have written on your C.V be prepared to back it up at interview. For example, if you have put in your personal statement that you are a good listener be prepared to explain why.

7. Change A Negative Into A Positive

If a prospective employer expresses concern at say, your lack of professional experience… look for the positives. What are they? You are eager, fresh, full of ideas, willing to learn, open to learning and growing within a successful company. 

8. Body Language

Smile – make sure it doesn’t look false. Keep your shoulders back and your head high. Try not to fidget or cover your mouth when you answer questions. If offered, accept a glass of water just in case your mouth bets dry. Always look your interviewer in the eye which shows a sign of confidence. When you leave the interview. Shake hands with your interviewer, maybe saying something like. “Thanks for your time, Paul. I look forward to hearing from you.”

9. They Need You

Remember they are in need of someone to fill a position. What have they got to offer you too? 

10. Your USP (Unique Selling Point.)

What makes you different from the competition? Be prepared to support this with examples. Think about what you would bring to company not only now but in the future.