INTERVIEW JOURNEY

Stage 1: Entering the building or company premise

· Enter the building in a confident manner
· Approach the Reception area with the attitude of “I am meant to be here”
· Be prepared to introduce yourself and tell the receptionist/secretary why you are there and who you want to see.
· Make sure you have the letter or email the company sent you in a place where you can easily hand it over.

Stage 2: Talking to staff

· Always remember the interview has already begun by the time you talk to any of the staff
· Staff will often be asked of the impression you made on them
· Often staff will only remember how you spoke to them; they will not remember how they spoke to you.
· You should talk to every member of staff as though they were the interviewer, regardless of the position they hold.

Stage 3: Entering the Interview

· In the same way you entered the building you should show confidence, do not “peek” around the door.
· Be prepared to shake hands with the interviewer
· Remember to make eye contact when shaking hands and during the introductions
· Do not sit until either invited to or the interviewer sits down
· Choose an upright seated position that is comfortable

Stage 4: The Interview

· Stay upright in your chair
· Place hands above the table – Clasped or holding your notes
· Gesturing with your hands to emphasis a point is a good way of expressing yourself, as long as it is not distracting!
· Maintain a “comfortable” amount of eye contact while listening to questions and answering
· Do not fold your arms
· Keep hands below shoulder level- touching your face for example can be distracting
· Control your nervous ”ticks” – See below

Nervous “ticks”

We all do things that are involuntary when we are nervous, ranging from touching our faces, covering our mouths, laughing too loudly, touching our hair and using the same word over and over again when talking. If you know you do something like this when you are nervous try to control it, for example if you fidget with your hands make sure you have something to hold. If you are not sure if you have any nervous ticks try asking family or friends, you might be surprised!