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Top tips for a successful job interview

Landing a job interview is as exciting as it is terrifying. Although getting to interview stage means that you’ve stood head and shoulders above potentially hundreds of other applicants, it doesn't make the prospect any less of a challenge - as the really hard part is still to come.

Around 40% of interviewers make up their minds about a candidate in less than 20 minutes, and 20% form a decision within 10 minutes. However, with the right preparation, advice and support you should be able to keep those jitters at bay and deliver a brilliant interview that’ll secure you the role of your dreams. To set you on the right path, here's the our guide to becoming an excellent interviewee.

Pre-interview preparation

What you do before an interview is as important as the interview itself. Being properly prepared for what could be in store means you are less likely to get caught off guard and lose your composure.

1. Do your research

Find out as much as you can about who you are meeting - the interviewers, the agency, their clients. Speak to your recruiters, good ones - like us - will supply you with some background and will point you in the right direction for finding the rest.

1. Do your research

2. Review your skills and accomplishments

Think about any case studies where you can talk about your achievements, particularly how they can relate to the position you are being interviewed for. Study the job spec and work on examples that will highlight that you have many if not all of the required skills and experience.

2. Review your skills and accomplishments

3. Prepare plenty of questions

Not only will this demonstrate a genuine interest in the company and the role, it will be the opportunity to find how suited you are to the job based on your personal preferences. Remember this is also your opportunity to be sure that this is what you really want.

On the day

While no two interviews are likely to be the same, there are many best practice tips you can take on-board to make the best impression.

4. Double check everything

Do you know where the interview venue is and can you get there in plenty of time? Do you know the name of the person interviewing you? Ensure you have contact details, just in case you get held up. Have you got extra copies of your CV? If relevant, have you got a portfolio you can share with your interviewer? Good recruiters, like us, will have sent you a confirmation email with essential details. It's up to you to chase, if you haven't received anything.

4. Double check everything

5. Body language and appearance

Be sure to dress appropriately. A suit is not always the best choice for a job interview but, as a general rule, choosing something that is slightly dressier than the normal work attire of the agency is the safest compromise.

Think about how you might dress to meet a client. It's your attention to detail that is important here. Clean, ideally new-looking shoes, well ironed clothes. Look well groomed, e.g. hair, nails. If you feel confident in your appearance, you will give a very good first impression. Once you get started remember to maintain eye contact, smile and shake hands firmly.

5. Body language and appearance

6. Maintain a positive attitude

Be polite and personable from the moment you walk in the door and with whoever you are introduced to. Be sure to show enthusiasm for the role and optimism for any projects. Avoid using an interview to bring up any personal problems and keep your opinions of your last (or current) employer courteous.

7. Know your own career history

Be able to answer any questions about any of your previous roles. Be ready to highlight specific achievements and how your skills are essential to the role. Have a portfolio or work samples ready - just in case they ask for them.

8. Pay attention

Listen to the questions being asked and consider whether you need to read between the lines. Be sure not to interrupt your interviewer and be honest. If you would like more time to think about your answer, ask your interviewer if you can return to the question later. Or use fillers, e.g. that's a good question, I'll need a minute to think of my best answer... It buys you a few moments to gather your thoughts

8. Pay attention