Ah the interview! Let's be honest, not many people actually enjoy this part of the process in securing a new job. The position seems perfect. You know you could do the role and excel within the company. But now you are going to be put on a chair and examined by strangers to see if THEY think you are good enough. Don't panic! Firstly a good interviewer will take that into account and try to get the best out of you. Secondly and most importantly you will, to this point, have been judged by your CV. You may have beaten dozens to this point and whilst you don't know who else the company is interviewing for the role if you follow some basic pointers you will have given it your best shot.
Before
Preparation is key. The internet is a great resource so use it. Visit their website and glean as much information as possible. if you know anyone who works there quiz them.
If you don't know where the site is do a dry run if possible. Visit beforehand. Is there a bus stop nearby? Where is the reception? Do they have a visitors car park? If so, ring up reception and book a space if possible.
Prepare for any questions you may face. We are not going to list any here as there are too many possibilities and a seasoned interviewer may well avoid the basics like strengths and weaknesses, why do you want the job?, what can you bring to the company? etc. It may be beneficial to buy a book about interviewing and the questions you may face. John Lee's 'Job Interviews- Top Answers to Tough Questions' at around £10 may be a good investment but even then some either clever or obscure questions may get thrown at you.
Dress smartly. If in any doubt always go overly smart than overly casual.
If you are a smoker do not smoke beforehand in your interview clothes. Non-smokers can smell it even if you can't. Likewise don't over do the perfume or aftershave!
Bring your CV and a copy of the job spec if any. Also they may likely ask you to bring your passport and a recent utility bill with you. If they do don't forget this.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. That may mean sitting around in a reception area but that is much better than being late. That is a 'no no'.
During
Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake suitable to the persons build. You don't want to sprain their wrists.
Be prepared to be introduced to someone else other than your interviewer. When nervous your brain can often whirl around and not take things in. Always remember the other persons name and use it at some points in the interview.
Do not take a seat uninvited.
Body language is a major part of communication. Sit up right, in an open manner, smile and don't fidget.
Don't just hear what is being said. Listen. It is too easy to get sidetracked in your head thinking about some clever thing to interject with or a relevant question. That's great, however whilst you are doing this you are not fully concentrating on what is being said to you. Listen to what is being said. It will usually have a question after it. Pause. Answer.
Attention spans can be surprisingly low. If your interviewer is tired, or seen a lot of people, if you ramble on in monotone their interest may well drop. Answer questions in a confident manner and answer them fully but also don't ramble on for a long time. They want to hear the points but also for you to get to the point.
Maintain eye contact but don't stare them out.
Finishing up
Have some prepared questions ready. Don't ask a question that you could find out the answer within 5 minutes on the internet. Don't ask questions that may be very difficult for the interviewer to answer. Don't discuss money unless it is raised by the interviewer. Don't beg! A seasoned interviewer will probably have answered most questions about the role for you during the interview however if there is anything outstanding then ask away. Other questions that may not have been answered may be about the future of the role and the company so you may ask 'What will you expect from me with the first 6 months/ year etc? or 'Do you see the department/role changing in the future?