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Pointers for Your Interview - My North West Jobs

Pointers for Your Interview

A lot of people panic when they hear that they have reached the interview stage of a job application. Really there is no need to do so. Typical job interviews are not Gestapo style interrogations and need not necessarily be terrifying or unpleasant. In fact, some job interviews can be very enjoyable. Whilst most interviews are informal, you should remember that most interviewers are not ogres, but just normal human beings. If you can cast aside any fear or apprehension, but instead relate to the interviewer, striking up a rapport whilst remaining professional, then this can help your cause.

The following tips may also help you.

Ensure you give yourself enough time to arrive early. If need be do a practice run to see how long it will take to get to your destination.
First impressions count so greet your interviewer with a smile and a handshake. You may not land a job in the first ten seconds of your interview, but if you do not start well and do not give a good impression right from the onset than the first ten seconds could cost you the job.
Take your lead from the interviewer. If he/she is relaxed and chatty then you should follow suit. Alternatively if the interviewer is formal then your demeanor should remain formal.
Dress appropriately for the job. This does not necessarily mean you have to wear a suit and tie, after all you would look rather foolish in a suit and tie if the job in question was for a helper at a pig farm. The main thing is to think about how the employer would expect and like to see you dressed. If you think that they would prefer to see you formally dressed then you should ensure that you are not only as well dressed as possible, but also as well groomed as possible. If necessary have a haircut before your interview.
Be confident but not cocky, and polite but not too shy.
Do not sit down until you are told to do so, and follow normal etiquette.
If you get the opportunity to impress the interviewer with relevant knowledge then do not be afraid to do so.
Remember your body language and avoid slouching or looking too casual, but instead try to look keen, alert and interested.

This article is based upon extracts from a book by Paul Hichens who is head consultant at leading CV writing company CV Consultants.co.uk

CV Consultants.co.uk provide top quality professional CV and cover letter writing services and have agreed to offer genuine discounts to all My North West Jobs candidates in addition to the 100% free CV appraisal service.

To take advantage of these great discounts and to get your professional CV please click this special CV writing service link. Please note that these discounts are only available by clicking the above link. If you go to the website by any other means you will not be able to navigate to this special links page.