We know going to an interview can be sometimes be nerve wracking but we've pulled together some tips to give you an advantage over the others who attend the same interview.

1. How to ace your job interview
There are few things more nerve-wracking than a job interview. But even getting a callback
from your CV is a victory in itself. Got an invitation for an interview? You’re already doing
something right, now just to close the deal.
Preparation
Since you’ve taken the time to put together an impressive CV, give yourself the best chance
possible to go all the way. A few minutes of preparation can go a long way.
Research
Companies look to hire people who want to work for them. Understand the company; what
do they care about? What are their products? A company’s website is a great place to start, as
they’ll have carefully thought about how they present themselves. Show that you’ve put some
effort in and you’ll be showing that you’re eager to work hard.
Prepare your answers
Interviews help employers see how you react in certain situations and whether you have the
right skills and know-how for the job. The questions you’re asked will help them create a
picture of you to establish this – worth bearing in mind when you’re answering them. A

2. question about your biggest weakness, for example, shouldn’t be a revelation of your chronic
lateness or that you find it difficult working with authority. Remember to always show
yourself in the most positive light.
Below are some common interview questions. Before your interview, have answers prepared
for them. Think about examples to substantiate your claim that you’re a good team-player,
and if you have statistics to show how productive you are, even better!
– Why do you want to work for us?
– How would you describe yourself in three words?
– Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
– What do you find most challenging?
– What motivates you?
– Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
On the day
Some studies have shown that an employer decides within 30 seconds whether or not they’d
consider employing you, so make sure you make them count.
Arrive early
Arrive around 10-15 minutes before your interview. Not only does this show you can manage
your time properly, it will give you enough time to compose yourself beforehand. Any earlier
and you run the risk of disrupting your interviewer’s schedule, and never ever be late.
Dress appropriately
Dress accordingly for the job you’re interviewing for. A suit isn’t appropriate for all jobs but
it carries a level of professionalism and shows you care to make an effort. If in doubt, dress
up; it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Be aware of your body language
Giving your interviewer eye contact, a firm handshake and a smile can really set the tone for
your interview. Show that you’re happy to be there and are a friendly person – people want to
hire people they want to work with.
Listen
Interviews should be a conversation, not a one-way interrogation. Listen to what the
interviewer says and remember things that you might refer to later on in the interview.
Ask questions
Invariably the interview will end with ‘do you have any questions’? The right answer is ‘yes’.
If you don’t, you might come across as passive or uninterested. Prepare some questions
beforehand to be sure you have some in your back-pocket. Show you’re keen to learn, about

3. the company and the interviewer; a great question to ask is what they like most about
working there.
Say ‘thank you’
Sure, they have a position to fill but the interviewer has taken time out of their probably busy
day to meet with you. Show them you appreciate it by saying thank you at the end of the
interview, and then following up with an email. Here you can refer to particularly positive
things that happened in the interview to reinforce you’re a good fit for the company, and ask
them when they expect to have made a decision – it shows you’re keen for the job.
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