Interview preparation (continued)

4. APPROACHING THE MEETING

Remember: Your interview starts a mile away from their offices.

“A candidate interviewing for a £60k job recently failed an interview due to spitting his gum out in the car park. A board member saw him doing it.”

Interviewers will invariably ask receptionists their opinion of you! Always be professional, confident and courteous to the people you meet, irrespective of their position.

Be aware - the following can make a difference:

• Chewing gum
• Coffee breath
• Smoker’s breath
• Taking your own drinks in with you

80% of interviewers subconsciously make up their mind within 30 seconds of meeting you, based upon the following soft skills/mannerisms:

• Handshake
• Smile
• Eye contact
• Sweaty hands
• Posture

Once the initial subconscious perception has been set, it is hard to change.

A good open question when meeting the interviewer builds rapport before even getting into the meeting room. Eg. “How has your day been?”

>> next