Six Essential Interview Techniques

Know where the interview is - how long it takes to get there and plan your route - then 'have a dry run'. When you then attend the interview, tell the interviewer that you did a dry run. This demonstrates excellent planning skills.


Always be on time - by on time, I mean specifically 10 minutes early. Any earlier is annoying for the interviewer and it shows a distinct lack of planning on your part. Interestingly, if you think by being 5 minutes early that this is about right, it isn't! This approach could firstly leave you with no room at all if you are held up in anyway and secondly I always find candidates who think this is sufficient time are rushed and unprepared.


Always find out about the Company interviewing you - this shows a tremendous amount of respect for the Company and indicates planning/preparation.

If you do not have an opportunity to demonstrate your fact find on the Company, make sure you tell the interviewer in some way.

Particularly impressive is to have looked at a Company's website. Usually Companies are very proud of their 'website' so they are flattered by the attention, but it also indicates a high level of PC literacy. CARE - if you do bother to find out about the Company then do it properly, understand what you read/observe - do not make it a token gesture - this will make you look pretentious and ignorant.


Look the part - make sure you are smartly and professionally dressed. No matter what the job is, it can only benefit you by having a professional appearance.

It is important not to wear too much aftershave/perfume - this can overwhelm the interview room very quickly. Always take care with your hair - be well groomed. Make sure your nails look cared for - many interviewers make the assumption that if a candidate cares for their nails, then they truly care about their appearance. This is also the case with shoes!


Listening Skills - it is very important that you use listening skills to as this shows manners, interest and enthusiasm.

Listening skills include nodding, asking questions related to what has just been said, leaning forward and eye contact.


Like the person who is interviewing you - even if you do not particularly take to the person interviewing make yourself believe that you like them!

Everyone fundamentally wants to be liked, even interviewers, and it is very easy to pick up that someone likes as well as dislikes you. The interviewer will naturally, but sub-consciously, incline towards the candidate that likes them.