Interview Tips

Developing Great Rapport

As outlined in 'understanding what an employer wants' chemistry is one of the vital capabilities an employer is looking for. Put another way, the employer wants to be able to see themselves working with you. By getting a good rapport with your interviewer you will be able to demonstrate clearly that you're likeable and easy to get along with. All human beings will make snap judgements just by looking at you. Therefore your appearance is crucial to making a good first impression. It may sound silly but even the state of your shoes can be key, managers especially those that have been in the military often take a dim view of dirty/unpolished shoes.

What men should wear for a job interview

• Conservative suit - two piece suit & tie, conservative & solid colour.
• Long sleeve shirt.
• Avoid bow ties. Wear a conservative tie.
• Dark shoes & dark socks.
• Get a haircut. A short and conservative style is best.
• Make sure you're clean shaven/ your beard or moustache is well trimmed.
• Do not wear any earrings.

What women should wear for a job interview

• Avoid dresses.
• Shoes should have conservative heels.
• Use a smart and tidy bag or a briefcase.
• Conservative nail polish.
• Minimal use of make-up.
• Limit jewellery to one or two rings and one set of earrings.

Wearing a suit may not always be your best option. For example, people in creative roles in industries such as fashion often talk poorly about "Suits". So you might want to call ahead to enquire about the correct dress code for interview. If you're in doubt it is best to veer towards the side of caution and go smart as you can always take off a suit jacket and tie to appear more casual.

Good Chemistry

To project the right image and to help develop a good chemistry try these simple techniques:

• A good handshake
  A dry, firm hand shake reflects a strong personality and is what most employers are looking for. Limp, sweaty hands are definitely a no. This is the first body language in the interview that your interviewer will "read".
• Good eye contact
  Maintain good eye contact but do not stare especially when the interviewer is talking. If you are uncomfortable with this kind of body language look at the interviewer's nose as it has the same effect. You will appear engaged and interested to the interviewer.
• Controlled hands
  Hand gestures can make people seem more sincere or credible. So use your hands occasionally to emphasise key points and make yourself visually engaging. For example counting points off on your fingers. Be careful not to exaggerate. It might help to practice your question answers and hand gestures in the mirror.
• Good posture
  Stand and sit straight, this will reflect energy, enthusiasm and self control. Don't let tiredness or nerves allow your shoulders to hunch forward as slouching does not reflect a positive attitude in interview body language.
• Don't fidget
  Eliminate any hints of nerves and do not fidget. Avoid playing with your hair, clicking pens and moving around in a generally nervous fashion.
• Avoid defensive postures
  Crossing your arms will make you unapproachable and can act as a barrier to a friendly exchange. Crossing your legs is acceptable contrary to popular belief but keep your legs still and avoid crossing and uncrossing your legs or tapping your feet.
• Engage in active listening
  Demonstrate that you're listening to the interviewer by nodding occasionally as they speak and using words such as "yes" and "I understand". This will indicate you're following what they are saying.

Perhaps one of the most powerful forms of body language is smiling which will have a powerful effect on an interviewers sub conscious. Too much smiling will come across as forced and insincere but by following these few tips you will be able to engender a good level of rapport and likeability:

• Smile as you meet the interviewers
  Project the impression you're really pleased to be at the interview.
• Smile as you discuss your strengths and achievements
  When talking about positive aspects of yourself and your working life add a little smile.
• Smile as you leave
  When saying goodbye thank the interviewer for their time and give them a broad smile to indicate that you enjoyed meeting them.

Powerful in Voice

It is helpful to remember that an interviewer is likely to have been spending a few days interviewing candidates so they can get bored with candidates who seem to be saying the same thing. By focusing on your tone of voice you can make yourself stand-out and really engage the interviewer in what you have to say.

• Introduce inflection
  Occasionally raise the tone of your voice or speed up your pace to convey excitement or passion about a topic. Deepen your voice or slow down the pace to transmit a little more seriousness.
• Emphasise key words
  This is a similar technique to bolding key words in your CV. You can make key words or phrases stand out by raising your voice slightly.
• Articulate
  Make sure you're able to pronounce the words you want to use clearly and correctly.
• Introduce pauses
  When speaking, sentences can run together. Give your sentences more impact by pausing to let your points sink in.

Confidence creates trust, rapport and likeability. The key to confidence is being prepared, practicing what you want to say and managing your nerves. We have already provided tips towards preparing for your interview and there is a section to help you prepare winning answers to potential questions. But here are some ways that you can manage your nerves more effectively:

• Practice in front of a mirror
  Rehearsal where you speak your interview answers out loud in front of a mirror will help you perfect your body language and tone of voice and provide you with the confidence to speak clearly.
• Tape your voice
  You may be surprised by the quality of your diction or determine that a little more practice is required. You can practice until you're happy with your diction and this will ultimately give you more confidence.
• Regulate your breathing
  Shallow breathing is common when asked to speak aloud, this can leave you feeling restless, nervous and unable to think clearly. You can address this by breathing deeply from the diaphragm or abdomen and as a result feel calmer and more confident.
• Dress confident
  What you wear can make you more confident in addition to giving a good impression. Make sure that you feel good in what you're wearing. If you think you look good you will be more confident.
• Observe confidence
  Go to a crowded place and look around until you spot someone who appears confident. Note at least three things that you think makes that person confident and how you can incorporate this into your own behaviour.