Of course considering the kind of questions you’re likely to be asked and preparing answers accordingly is hugely important, as well as practising how to respond to unexpected answers by getting friends to test you randomly. You want to make sure you avoid clichés, leave certain words and phrases at home and give confident, honest answers.
But it’s not just what you say in the interview that counts. There’s a whole variety of things you do and say both inside and out of the interview that can either help or harm your chances of securing one of those all important graduate jobs.
How you treat the receptionist
Increasingly, companies are turning to slightly cover tactics to get the honest lowdown on a candidate. One thing businesses are doing more and more as part of their hiring process is finding out how you spoke to the receptionist or even asking the receptionist to ask you specific questions.
How you treat people outside of the context of the interview is a much better insight to who you truly are, as the company can catch you with your guard down. If you don’t treat the receptionist well, you’ll not only come across as rude and arrogant but dishonest too.
Treat the receptionist the same way you’d treat the interviewer; be confident, friendly and polite and you’ll pass the test.
Punctuality
Okay, so this one should seem self-explanatory, but it’s surprising how many people turn up late to interviews. No matter what, being even one or two minutes late for an interview will come across as disorganised at best, and at worst like you don’t care.
Traffic or travel delays are never an excuse, you’re still late. Plan to get there with plenty of time, find out exactly where the office building is (for those times that Google Maps is having an off day) and if you still have time left don’t worry. Go and grab a coffee and take the time to relax and collect your thoughts. That way you’ll arrive at the interview in the best frame of mind possible.
Handshake
Any self-respecting interview starts with a handshake, and you wouldn’t believe how many people get it wrong. First impressions count and even if it’s subconsciously, a bad handshake can really alter the mood of the interviewer.
A firm, short shake should do it. No wet fishes and no bone-crushers please!
Eye Contact
In almost all interview situations you’ll want to be coming across as confident and personable, two very simple but key soft skills across all sectors. Even if you’re not required to deal with client or customer contact directly, your new boss will at least want to know that you can effectively communicate with other people in the team. Looking shiftily around the room as your provide your answers conveys not only a lack of confidence but can also come across as dishonest.
Try and keep regular eye contact with your interviewer, but particularly when you’re listening to their questions, as it will show that you’re attentive. Of course, there’s no problem with looking away from time to time, particularly while you’re thinking, but try to keep eye contact around 60-70% of the time and it will make for a much more engaging, confident interview.
You are what you wear
This is not just about making sure you wash your hair and iron your shirt. Of course it’s important to dress appropriately for the office; if you haven’t been directly told how to dress, check out what others in the office wear from their social media or news articles. If you’re still in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask.
However, most important is that you’re comfortable. Try to pick an old favourite that you know you feel smart and confident in, and that you know fits you comfortably. There’s nothing worse than being half way to the interview before you realise that your trousers are too tight or spending half the interview distracted by your itchy new shirt.
Don’t be afraid to move
Remaining in one position for the whole interview, sat up stiffly, can actually come across negatively. Small movements such as tilting your head slightly or shifting in your seat can actually increase trust. Remember, interviews are also about putting your interviewer at ease, and sitting bolt upright and unmoving for the whole time can make for an uncomfortable environment.
Provided you don’t overdo it, mirroring can also be a useful technique. By mirroring certain body gestures or movements made by your interviewer, you can increase trust. Essentially you’re subconsciously saying ‘we’re singing from the same hymn sheet here’. The same can be applied to the tone, pace and volume of your voice.
Bring more than one copy of your CV
Okay, so it’s another pretty simple one to finish with, but it can be really important. You want to do everything you can to make sure the interview goes as smoothly as possible, and this includes being prepared. Bring 5 or 6 copies of your CV in case it turns out that you’re being interviewed by a number of people or you’re introduced to someone else in the company who you want to pass it on to.
It also ensures that you don’t have to give up your own copy and so will definitely have a reference copy in case you’re questioned on any details.
Matt Arnerich works as a content writer over at graduate jobs and internships specialists Inspiring Interns. Check out their jobs listings for current roles!
Have you got any interview advice to share? Let us know your interview experiences in the comments below.
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