10 Tips To Look Good At The Job Interview

Here are some tips to help you perform at your best during the actual job interview. I'm assuming here that you've done the necessary work to prepare for the interview (see my list of articles for information on preparing for the job interview).

• Confirm the exact location and time of the interview. Make certain that you know the route and available parking facilities (if driving), or the necessary public transport facilities. Sounds pretty basic doesn't it? You would be totally amazed at the number of interviewees who turn up late or not at all.
• Never restrict yourself on time. The interviewer may be running late from seeing other applicants, or he/she may want to take you on an impromptu tour of the facilities or get you to meet other members of the team (both positive signs of interest in you).
• Make certain that you get the interviewers full name and title. If you don't pick it up at first then ask him or her to repeat it. Getting someones name or title wrong is a deadly insult - don't do it.
• Refresh in your own mind the details of your present and past employers. Do this just prior to going into the interview.
• Dress in appropriate clothing and pay particular attention to presentation and personal hygiene. Shine your shoes, get your suit pressed and - shower!.
• If you get a choice, try to obtain a time when you are likely to be at your best. Some are morning and some afternoon people. No-one is both.
• Never smoke before going into the interview. Going in stinking of tobacco smoke is a guaranteed turnoff
• Sit up straight and don't slouch. Yes I know, this is all really basic and self-explanatory, but again many people do forget and slouching gives a really poor impression.
• Look the interviewer in the eye. If there is more than one interviewer then maintain eye contact with the person you are currently dealing with.
• Finally, Relax! Don't get all tensed up. Remember the job interview process is for both parties to get to know about each other. The company is interviewing because they need someone, it's unlikely that they are going to deliberately try to trip you up - and if they are then do you really want to join them?

The above is all pretty basic stuff, but many people forget about at least one of these tips. The best jobs are highly sought after, and you are likely to have some stiff competition, so follow these tips and give yourself a flying start.