David Aplin Group

During the first few minutes:

• Arrive early – 5 to 10 minutes.
• Be courteous to the receptionist. Information regarding your behaviour will be relayed to your interviewer.
• If you’re asked to fill out an application form, be neat, accurate and answer all the questions.
• Greet the interviewer by name, smile and shake hands firmly. If you haven’t been able to verify the pronunciation of the interviewer’s name, ask for that information.
• Sit down only when offered a seat.
• Follow the interviewer’s lead. If you can, try to ask about the job and specific duties right from the outset. This information is critical to all further discussion.

Throughout the interview:

• Maintain good posture and remain alert, making eye contact with the interviewer.
• Project a professional, confident image.
• Listen carefully and speak up when the opportunity arises.
• Answer all questions fully but concisely. Tell the interviewer about your strengths and state your accomplishments. Be sincere and truthful. Make the interviewer realize that the company needs you.
• Don’t talk too much. If possible, only discuss your qualifications for the job and your understanding of the company.
• Don’t make derogatory remarks about present or past employers.
• Don’t be afraid of a short silence. The interviewer may be reading your resumé or thinking about the next question.
• Show an interest in getting the job. Even if you are hoping to receive another offer, remember the advantages of having several offers from which to choose.
• Don’t ask about salaries, vacations, bonuses, retirement plans or other benefits in the initial interview. These discussions come later, when you and the interviewer have both decided to move to the next step. If the interviewer asks what salary you expect, state that you are more interested in the opportunity than a specific income level, but name a fair salary range.
• If you feel the interview has not gone well, maintain a positive attitude. Occasionally, an interviewer will deliberately discourage you to test your reaction to this kind of situation.
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time.

Body language - are you speaking it properly?

• Greet modestly with a firm handshake
• Take a seat where offered by the interviewer- do not slouch- but do settle in to a comfortable spot
• Don’t form body barriers: An Interview is not the time to be Shy
• Do not fold your arms across your chest- this conveys to the interviewer that you are anxious and often signals hostility
• Open your chest and have a straight back- good posture ensures that your interviewer is made aware of your confidence
• Children cover their mouths when they are telling lies… keep your hands away from your face
• Stay focused. Maintain strong eye contact with your interviewer
• Sit Still. Try not to fidget and move around.Use moderate hand gestures. Using your hands to gesture during an interview shows confidence- but don’t over do it!
• Thank the interviewer for their time and exit with a firm handshake