Preparation
Think about your skills, competencies, qualifications and experience so you can answer any questions on this without too much hesitation.
Personal presentation
First impressions count! Practise a good positive handshake; not too firm, not too weak. Always smile and make eye contact with the interviewer.
Are you well-dressed, in a way that follows conventions in YOUR job sector? This is not the time to show how much of an individual you are, as they want someone who will fit in with the company.
Take a copy of your CV with you, carrying it in a suitable folder or case. You may also want to take along some samples of your work. This all adds to the impression of you being well organised and enthusiastic.
Timing
You do not want to arrive looking flustered. Remember that if you arrive at the meeting point exactly on time, you will often be delayed at reception or while locating the correct department so a few extra minutes can make a big difference to that all important first impression.
If you are not in your city or country, the company may organize you transportation.
If you are late this may mean that your interview is cut short so you may not have a chance to convince the interviewer of your skills.
At the Interview
Try to relax as much as possible. The company has taken the time to interview you and they need to fill the position so it is in their interests too that it is successful.
Try not to monopolise the meeting – let also your interviewer talk.
Do not be too passive – present yourself in details as this shows you are really interested.
If they do not tell you, find out what are the key parts of the candidate specification so you can show how you meet them.
Show how you can contribute to the success, efficiency and profitability of the organisation.
Be honest about your experience.
Avoid too much self opinion
Smoke is permitted if proposed, and it is accepted to have tea or coffee.
Make sure the employer knows the benefits of employing you.
Questions you should be prepared to answer
Describe your work experience to date?
What knowledge, skills and experience from your current/past employment would be relevant to this job?
What have been the highlights, major achievements, challenges etc. of your career to date of which you are most proud?
What has been the most difficult work challenge you have faced and how did you deal with it?
What are your strengths in terms of technical competency at work?
What are your strengths and weaknesses terms of your personality and working style?
What elements of your work have you found most and least enjoyable?
What are your ambitions for the future. What would you like to be doing in 1, 5, 10 years time?
Why are you interested in this job?
How do you regard your communication skills (written, verbal, one-to-one etc.)?
How do you regard your management skills (planning, problems, supervision, motivating, negotiating etc.)?
In the context of work, what motivates you?
Follow up
If the interview is followed by a series of tests and more interviews, it is a positive sign. After a first session of meetings, send a brief thank you email confirming your interest in the position and add if there is something else you want to mention. Sometimes a good phone message if the job involves lots of phone contact.
