Tips to help you ace your interview

Interviewers will assess you as soon as you walk in the door, so how you present yourself will make or break your employment opportunities.

How to make a good impression

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. If you are offered a glass of water or a coffee, take it! This way, if you are stuck on an answer you can take a sip of your drink and give yourself the opportunity to consider an appropriate response.

Relax your body language. Resist the urge to cross your legs or fold your arms. The more relaxed you are physically, the more confident you will seem. This technique also prevents you from tensing your muscles and increasing your stress level.

Speak clearly and honestly. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be explained further or repeated, and don’t be rushed to answer. When discussing past employers or colleagues, be diplomatic and resist the urge to criticise.

Show the interviewer you have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role and ask what’s the next step in the hiring process. For example, “I’m very excited about this job opportunity and I would love to be the person you hire. How soon until you’ll be making
a decision?”

Confidence is key

Speak positively about your attributes and try not to use the words ‘just’ or ‘only’ to describe your experience. Turn your weaknesses into positive points, for example, “I haven’t had an opportunity to use this software yet, although I have used something similar and I am eager learn more”.