Interview Technique

"Interviews are fundamentally about people talking and finding out more about each other."

Here are some Do's and Don'ts, which however obvious, are always worth remembering when you attend an interview.

DO

Prepare yourself - remind yourself of the skills you have which apply to the job
Think smart - dress smart, in a suit if that is more appropriate for the role
Turn up on time - be available 5-10 minutes before the interview
Provide evidence of success - appraisals from former employers can help you to think about your successes and records of achievement
Research - check out the company, its products, its philosophy and what the job involves
Prepare questions - when you're asked if there's anything else you want to know you'll be ready
Take references - if required you should have your referees' details available
Express yourself positively - talk about 'challenges' not 'problems' and things you wish to 'do' in the future instead of 'not do'
Look at your interviewer - it's not a staring match but avoiding eye contact will not leave a good impression
Consider your earlier responses - ask for the opportunity to return to any issue raised earlier in the interview if you feel that it was not addressed as well as possible when first discussed.

DON'T

Over-rehearse - avoid sounding like a tape recording
Criticise past employers - always stress what you have learned and gained from previous experience
Ramble - if a question seems too broad, ask for a little more specificity
Lose heart - even if you feel the interview is going badly, the interviewer may see it entirely differently.