Firstly, think of yourself as being the ?product? that you are selling. You are now in a very competitive environment and you have to want to ?win?; otherwise you would not be sitting in the foyer of this office right now.

As a matter of course, the employer will make a choice between you and other applicants and eventually, there will be a short list and perhaps even another interview.

Right now, it is your job to create an impression and influence the employer or interviewer, that choosing you is the best possible choice they will ever make. You must take into account that this is your first and last impression ? you will not get a second chance if you ?stuff? it up, so some important guidelines are listed below:

INTERVIEW PROTOCOL

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the interview. Definitely not after the scheduled time.

Turn your mobile phone off.

Dress appropriately - its better to be a little over dressed than the reverse. No sandals, sneakers, white socks with dark pants.

Offer your hand and use a firm handshake and sincere smile.

Always refer to the interviewer by name i.e. Mr/Ms/Mrs? (Name).

Be alert and ready to react from beginning to end.

Ask questions when invited to.

Be calm and confident; never cocky or forceful.

Project a keen interest in the company and the interviewer/s; never act disinterested.

Be positive and confident. Do not get defensive at any question or comment at job interviews.

Try not to look petrified - even if you are - but smile and be good-humoured.

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer without crossing the boundary into staring. Just look at the interviewer the same way as you would if you were having a conversation with a friend.

Approach the interviewer with a firm commitment. You will lose the job if you are unthinking in your approach.

Have your resume in a smart binder that shows your interviewer that you are willing to invest in time and effort to land your next job.

Speak clearly and answer all questions with confidence.

When asked of your accomplishments supply specific examples, i.e. any certificates or documents that support those activities.

Do not ask for refreshments of any kind. If they are offered, you may accept.

Do not smoke - even outside the building prior to the interview.

Do not swear no matter how informal the interview.

If asked about former employers or colleagues, do not destroy your status by criticising them.

Do not speak disrespectfully. Most if not all interviewers, think their particular company is a great place to work and they will not take kindly to any attempted humour at the company's expense.

When it's your turn to ask the interviewer a questions, be sure to ask about aspects other than just the wages or salary you may expect.

Be mindful of all possible cues such as body language from the interviewer. These will give you hints when to stop and when to continue.

Convince yourself before the interview that you have something special, which will influence the interviewer your way.

Do not excuse yourself to go to the bathroom during your interview. Make sure you attend to those personal comfort basics prior to the meeting.

Remember not all interviewers are terrific at their job - so do not judge the company by the interviewer.

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