Here are last minute tips that you can consider as you get ready to attend an interview.Make sure you know where to go and how you are going to get there. Consider visiting the interview site a day or two before in order to ensure that you are familiar with the location on the day.
Eat a while before you attend interview. Sometimes interviews are delayed or go on longer than expected and there may be no opportunity to snack.
- Allow yourself lots of time for trip to the interview location – in case there is an unforeseen delay in your journey.
- – Aim to arrive with time to spare, so that you can be as relaxed as possible.
- – Bring along a mint to freshen your breath before going in.
- – Switch off your mobile phone.
Things to Bring
- – Copies of all correspondence received and spare copies of your CV.
- – Notebook with any questions you have listed.
- – A pen and something to read (in case you are kept waiting).
Arriving for Interview
Get to the general area well ahead of time. Spend some time outside in advance and arrive at the reception area 7 to 8 minutes before the appointment time. Be friendly with the receptionist – but not over familiar. Remember that some facilities are large and it may take quite some time to get to the place you have been asked to go to at a location
Waiting to Go In
Do not accept a drink within 5 minutes of your interview time. You don’t want to be burdened with a drink just as your interviewer arrives. Keep calm and keep your cool even if you are kept waiting. Ideally, leave your overcoat, umbrella etc. in reception. Do this and you won’t need to worry about them in the interview room.
Visiting the bathroom can be a good idea. Walking to and from the bathroom will often take you past working areas from which you can indirectly glean a great deal about a company, e.g. atmosphere, friendliness, efficiency, etc. While you are in the bathroom, check how you look.
Be prepared to shake hands. Make sure your hands are dry. Interviewers prefer a firm handshake. It can reflect your confidence level and some personal qualities. Be up-front in initiating handshakes ang in saying hello to people (greeting them by name if you can).