
The first 5 minutes of the interview are critical to your success. There are three main rules to remember:
1. Sell yourself.
2. Sell your skills.
3. Sell your potential.
The first rule is the most important, not only is selling yourself more important than selling your skills or potential but you must sell it first. This is why a positive and enthusiastic impression must be made in the first 5 minutes.
Points to Consider:
- Find out about the company, its policies, products and financial standing. Understand the details of the position for which you are being interviewed.
- Get a contact name and telephone number and also check the route and journey time.
- Decide what you are going to wear several days in advance - this allows plenty of time for pressing, polishing etc. Dress should be smart and 'conform'.
- Be familiar with what you have written on your application form/CV - take a copy with you.
- Arrive at the company location in good time and report to the interview at least 10 minutes before the appointment. If you have any delay, telephone the company and advise them.
- It is essential that you are courteous and professional from the moment you arrive. Check with the receptionist over the correct pronunciation of the interviewer's name and status.
- Entrance into the interview must create the right impression-head up, straight back, smiling face and exuding energy. Appear interesting. Look the interviewer in the eye and shake hands firmly.
- Once seated, sit straight, maintain eye contact and never fidget.
- If the interview is going well, do not allow your body to relax too much - remain alert and interested in everything that is said.
- Be positive. For the purposes of the interview, this is the only job you want. Vague expressions of interest are pointless.
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