How to interview well

A formal interview for a university place, job, work experience or new school is something
that many find daunting and everyone should prepare for.


There are two things that you will need to do if you wish to interview well; 

    * Prepare a list of possible answers and examples of your strengths/ achievements 

    * Practise a mock interview with a relative, teacher, friend or in front of a mirror

Flip it round!
Not sure what makes for a good interview?
Then try this simple exercise.

Did you know that most interviewers instinctively make their minds up about a candidate within the first few minutes?  In order to understand what triggers a positive response, imagine you are interviewing candidates for a job in your company.  Which of the following provoke a positive reaction in you?

- An email pops up on your screen from pukeprincess97@hotmail.co.uk, "So sorry but stuck in traffic so will be bit late for my intaview!!!"
- He walks confidently into the room, shakes your hand and smiles as he says 'hello'
- S/he walks into the room hesitantly, looking around nervously before taking a seat
- He looks down at his lap when talking to you
- She looks at you when answering questions and smiles a lot
- He has specific examples to give when you ask if he has proven teamwork skills
- She doesn't appear to know very much about you or your company
- He smells a bit funny
- She has been on your website and asks a question about a link you had posted on there
- He thinks about the questions you ask him
- She gabbles answers, sometimes losing the point of what you asked
- He leans back in his chair and shrugs when you ask him a question about his hobbies
- Her phone goes off half way through the interview and she quickly checks it before returning her attention to you
- She thanks you for your time at the end of the interview
- He shakes your hand and smiles at you at the end of the interview