Don't panic it's only an interview

1 Introduction

So THE letter has come through the door, you've been offered an interview and you've swung from the ceiling with joy. Now you're faced with the terrifying thought that you actually have to spend an hour in a room with a complete stranger and persuade them that you are right for the job. Aaaagghh!!!!

But wait, it's not that bad. Just remember a few basic principles and you can handle your first interview like an experienced pro.

The thing to remember is that an interview is a chance for the company to see if you are right for them and their job - AND for you to see if the company and their job are right for you.

So to make sure you give them the information they want and you get the information you need, you have to prepared.

2 Prepare your facts

Make sure you know what the job involves. Try to find out something about the company. Have they been in the news recently? Do you know anybody who has worked for them, or still does? Do you know their products? Referring to any of these will show you have done some homework.

You don't need to know it all and asking questions will not only improve your understanding of the role, it will also show you are keen to find out more. So if you are asked what interests you about the job (and you almost certainly will be), don't be afraid of saying something like, "Well from your advert it seems like this job will offer me a good chance to develop my skills and understanding within this industry, but perhaps you could give me some more information about exactly what the position will involve." You've answered their question but at the same time you are getting more information for yourself.

3 Prepare your route

Make sure you know where you are going. Check the address in an A-Z or even better, do a dummy run a day or so in advance. That way you'll know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there. The last thing you want to do is arrive at your interview late and flustered because you got lost or didn't leave yourself enough time. The ideal time to arrive for an interview is between 5 and 10 minutes before the time of the interview itself. Anything longer and you will probably begin to feel uncomfortable waiting and get more nervous. Anything less and you risk being late - a definite no-no!

4 Prepare yourself

Sort out your clothes the night before. Make sure you have an outfit that is smart and presentable. For men, it doesn't have to be a suit, but a shirt and tie is still the norm. As for women, any company that expects you to wear a skirt or dress is hopelessly out-dated. So you should feel perfectly at ease in a trouser suit or similar if that is your preferred outfit. As long as you appear smart and well presented you should be fine. Avoid casual clothes and make sure that everything that should be buttoned is buttoned.

5 Prepare your accessories

Always have a copy of your CV to hand and if you have any examples of your work that you intend to refer to, take them along too. Unless the company has specifically requested it, you will not be expected to show exam certificates, but if you want to mention something you had published in the school newsletter for example, it's a good idea to have a copy of it with you.

Don't be afraid to take a list of questions with you either - but try to keep it to 3 or 4 good questions rather than a whole host of minor issues. The last bit of any interview is usually set aside for your questions, so when they ask if you have any, there is nothing wrong in saying "actually I have prepared a couple of questions if we have time." This will show you have come prepared.

6 Prepare your mind

Finally, make sure you are in the right frame of mind. You need to go into the interview relaxed, positive and confident. If you have done all of the above this shouldn't be a problem, but everyone feels nervous beforehand so don't panic if the butterflies start fluttering. The main thing to remember is that you are not on trial, you are being given an opportunity to show your potential. Feel good about yourself, be yourself and be true to yourself.

At the end of the day, not being the right person for a job doesn't make you a bad person, just someone more suited to something else. The more experienced you get, the better it becomes - believe me.

Monster.co.uk offers a range of in-depth advice about answering (and asking) interview questions. But before you go getting in over your head, remember that these articles are aimed at people applying for jobs at mid to senior levels, so they may not apply to your own situation. Having said that, feel free to check them out and see what you have to look forward to in the years to come!!! Interview Tips