Practical tips for applying these rules

• Creating a positive first impression in the first few minutes is vital - be smart – be on time - be courteous - be warm - smile!
• Confidence is a learnt behaviour - practice it – fake it until you can make it!
• Take your cue from the interviewers: pay attention to body language, watch for signs of boredom or restlessness, go where they lead you - don’t try to stick rigidly to your agenda
• Preparation is key – use STAR [L] – have some strong examples ready
• Answer the question asked – don’t force a prepared answer on another topic
• Be concise but informative and be prepared to offer more details if the interviewer leads you there
• Be alert to how your answers are landing with the interviewer and modify your response accordingly
• Don’t make the interviewer work too hard - volunteer the information they seek - it’s not an interrogation nor the time for false modesty
• Be pleasant to everyone you meet – the receptionist may part of the interview process too, whether you know it or not. People will form a view of you based on very limited interactions – so make every contact count
• Be enthusiastic – show that you want the job - hide any doubts for later -motivation and “fit” are as important as ability
• You don’t have to answer the question immediately – and don’t say the first thing to come into your mind. Give yourself some thinking time if necessary.
• Equally silence is uncomfortable. If you really are stuck, you are allowed to say: “Can I come back to that later?” - but make sure you do!
• You can talk yourself out of the job after getting it – don’t overdo any doubts at the interview
• Remember your goal is to get the job offer. Once you have the job offer, you have the power