Some thoughts on interviews:

While these may seem basic, attention to these details will make a huge difference to how you are perceived by both agencies and employers.

The way you treat an interview situation can be just as important as the interview itself. Many of the impressions that last are made in the first few seconds of meeting, so give yourself the best chance by being prepared.

• Make sure you have read and made notes from the advertisement, and your discussion with your recruitment consultant.
• Learn as much as you can from the company website, and research the internet about the company and the industry that they operate in.
• Double check the date and time and plan to be there ten minutes early.
• Plan what you will wear, ensuring it is appropriate for the role. If in doubt always dress more on the formal side. If you are coming straight from work and will be in work clothes, email ahead and explain this, it shows courtesy and forethought.
• Check (the day before) how to get there, transport, parking meter money etc.
• Have the name and phone number of the person you are going to meet written down and with you. If anything holds you up on the way there make sure you call before you are late to apologise for the fact that you will be late. Explain why, and ask if it is still ok to meet or if you need to set another time. Don’t wait until the appointment time has passed before ringing.
• If you are more than ten minutes early, take a walk around the block. When candidates show up far too early it shows that they don’t value the time of the person they are meeting.
• When you are greeted, stand, extend your hand and look them in the eye as you say hello with a big smile. This will help settle you and helps the person you are meeting feel comfortable with you.
• Answer questions directly and try not to get side tracked. It is often the things people say outside of the questioning that lets them down.
• Take supporting documents and qualifications with you with a photocopy of each to hand over.
• Ensure that you have provided referee’s contact details, including their position when you worked with them and their current position title. These are best provided to your recruitment consultant prior to this stage.
• Your referees must be informed by you that they are likely to receive a phone call for a reference check.