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The Interview
Be as natural as you can but not so laid back as to expect your superb skills and technical ability alone to get you the job. If you have prepared properly you will have more confidence and this will help identify you as the right candidate. A typical interview will cover: "Ice-breakers", settling in both you and the interviewer; information given by the interviewer about the job and the company; questions to establish your ability and suitability for the job; a chance for you to ask questions; a conclusion.
Ice-Breaking
You only have one chance to make a first impression. It has often been stated that recruitment decisions are made in the first five minutes of the interview, and in some cases before the interview even starts.
Present yourself well – It is better to be too conservative than too informal – you can dress down after you have got the job. In all cases, there is no excuse for not being neat, clean and tidy. Dark suits (preferably black, grey or navy blue) are always safe for both men and women.
Be on time – turning up some minutes early is sensible. Greet the receptionist positively – they may be asked to comment on your performance later. Greet your interviewer with a firm, positive handshake and a smile, be natural – don’t act up your confidence. Try and be relaxed if offered a coffee – accept – it helps create a more informal atmosphere. But do avoid biscuits if offered, as a mouthful of crumbs doesn’t help intelligent response to questions. Smoking – most companies have a no smoking policy and if so you should have been told. If the interviewer invites you to smoke, and you are one hundred per cent sure that it won’t offend, then do so. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, then it is best to refrain.
After the Ice has Broken
Speak clearly and concisely. Let the interviewer control the interview – don’t interrupt, he/she is likely to be your boss and deserves some respect. Good eye contact – without staring your interviewer out. If there is more than one interviewer make sure you interact with all of them. Don’t slouch in your chair.
Apply your Research
There is no point in having done all that research if you don’t apply it. If you have thought about it you should during the interview, be able to get across the key reasons why they should consider you for the job. Don’t be afraid to bring something up yourself "I thought you might be interested in my experience doing Y at XYZ because…………"