Going for an interview can be quite a scary prospect!

Interview tips
Going for an interview can be quite a scary prospect! Really, there is no need to worry. Always remember that the employer wants to hire someone as much as you want to get the job. Interviews are not there to trick you and there is no reason to be scared. Here are some handy hints and tips to make sure you are ready for your interview and to give you the best chance of landing that job you really want!

Most people forget to say two very important things:

**That they want the job; and
**Why they want the job

You've got to show the employer that you really, genuinely want the job - not just any job. Always get in the line "I really want this job"

Unless you are told not to, always wear a suit for an interview. An employer normally decides whether or not they want to hire you in the first ten minutes of the interview - first impressions are really, really important.

Never, never criticise a previous or current employer - no one wants to recruit a troublemaker, and no matter what the story is, that is how you will come across.

DO arrive on time, or even better 10 minutes early. There is never an excuse for being late. Take a practice run so that you know how long it is going to take to get there. DON'T tell lies. Be honest. Emphasise your achievements - team building skills, customer service skills, sales techniques, etc. Check your CV for gaps, if there are any, have an explanation for them.
DO fill in your application form and CV neatly and correctly. DON'T rely on them to do all the selling for you - an interviewer will always want you to speak and sell yourself.
DO research the company and the job-role for which you're applying. Prepare some questions about the company, the role, training, progression, and so on - this will show you are interested.

 		DON'T act as though you just want any job - the interviewer will want to know that you want this job.
DO speak clearly and confidently and 'properly'. Avoid slang, and try not to fill silences with "ums" and "ahs".

 		DON'T smoke or chew gum - this all comes back to giving the right impression.
DO sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Being a good listener is an important part of being a good communicator. Always look the interviewer in the eye while speaking. DON'T start talking about personal issues and problems that bear no relation to either the interviewer or the job.

Bear these things in mind and you should be on your way to getting that job you want!