A large part of success in interviews is down to keeping your cool and coming across as a nice, friendly person. Understandably, it’s not always easy when you’re sitting in a random office in front of a complete stranger, wearing your uncomfortable ‘smart’ clothes and sweating like a piglet … oh yeah, and you really, really want the job.

 

 

First top tip is try not to think of the job you’re going for as the be-all and end-all. Think more ‘ It’d be great to get it, but it’s not the end of the world if I don’t’.

 

Leave plenty of time to get there and make sure you know exactly where you’re going. Arriving late in a pool of sweat isn’t a great start!

 

Don’t be scared by the interviewer in the suit with the stern face. They’re just human and are there to find nice people to work for them.

 

Smile. Seriously, it’s amazing what wonders a smile can work. It’ll make you feel relaxed and will make the interviewer warm to you more.

 

If you’re asked a tricky question don’t panic or feel you have to answer straight away. An interviewer would rather wait a moment for a decent answer than get a nervous ramble immediately.

 

First Impressions:

 

Now I don’t want to sound like your mother but smarten yourself up a bit for the interview. You don’t necessarily have to wear a suit but try more smart casual rather than ‘just picked up what was on the floor casual’.

 

If you’re not sure how smart to dress then just ask the person who’s invited you to interview. It’s not a bad thing to ask and is better than turning up over or under-dressed to meet them.

 

Also, have a think about the company and clients. Do you think they’re the sort of people who will be fine with your multiple earrings / nose studs / eyebrow piercings? If you’re not sure, play it safe and tone it down for the interview.

 

If you smoke bear in mind that your interviewer may not and will really notice if you smell like an ashtray. Take some mints with you and try and leave a bit of time between your last ciggie and walking into the interview to air off your clothes. It can make a real difference.

 

Have a wash, brush your hair…you know the basics.

 

Do Your Research:

 

It’s all well and good looking the part and playing it cool but if you don’t know anything about the company you want to work for it could all go rather pear shaped in the interview:

 

Read what you can about the company on their website and think about the type of holidays they offer / work they do and the type of customers they attract.

 

It may seem like an obvious one but make sure you know what the job you’re going for is all about. Double check the job description on the ad and think about what the job will involve.

 

If you know someone who’s done a season / this type of job before ask them about the job you’re going for. What’s involved, what do you need to be good at?

 

Think about the type of questions you may be asked. What have you done in other jobs that may be relevant?

 

Don’t worry about it too much, but do prepare enough…GOOD LUCK!