If your job application attracted the employer’s interest, you will normally be invited to a job interview.
You should prepare yourself carefully for the job interview. Now familiarise yourself before the interview with any background information you can obtain on the workplace, if you had not already done this before writing your job application. Look at the Internet pages of the company. If you know somebody who has worked, or is currently working, at the workplace in question, ask them to give you basic information on the place. Remember to find out well in advance where the company is located so that you will know for sure where you need to go on the day of your interview.
Arrive in good time and in good spirits. If for some reason you are delayed, let the interviewer know about it immediately! It is rude to keep the interviewer waiting and remember to apologise for being late.
Dress appropriately for the interview. Choosing which clothes to wear may give you a headache, but here is some advice: If you can, visit the company prior to your interview and make a note of the style of clothes worn by the employees and follow their example. Of course, the job you are applying for will also determine, to some extent, the correct dress code. Are you applying for a job where you would be serving customers, working in an office, on a factory shop floor or as a manager? Whichever it is, dress accordingly. In general, it is better to dress slightly too formally than far too casually. Your clothes should be clean and neat, and that is by far the most important aspect of your appearance.
Always remember the importance of personal hygiene. Dirty and unkempt appearance will never be acceptable at a job interview. If you have prominent facial piercings, it might be a good idea to remove them for the duration of the interview – depending on the type of job you are applying for.
It is worth remembering the importance of the first impression at an interview. Interviewers will form their first impression of you whilst shaking your hand, and this impression remains with them. Body language, gestures and your overall appearance will affect the impression the interviewer makes of you.
Remember to show good manners and be positive throughout the interview. Listen to the interviewer and reply to every question clearly, cheerfully and truthfully. Make appropriate eye contact. Reply to all questions appropriately even if the answer could be found in your job application and/or in your CV. Never ask the interviewer to look for the answer in your documents.
Bring to the interview a portfolio in which you have copies of your certificates, diplomas or other proof of your skills. The most important and relevant documents, in relation to the job, should be placed on top of the documents that you bring.
Remember that you can have a successful job interview in many different ways. Therefore, just be true to yourself and try not to be too nervous!