I was talking to a friend of mine last night.   He was made redundant some weeks ago and since then, of course, he has been job seeking, but unfortunately without much success, although he has had some interviews.

He said ‘I’ve got a job interview tomorrow, but I don’t hold out much hope.   I’ve already been for loads of interviews but at my age I haven’t a lot to offer, and my health’s not that good either’

Now, I must say I agree with him.   With an attitude like that I don’t suppose he will get the job.   So I said to him what I am saying to you

Be positive.   They must have liked something about you otherwise they wouldn’t have given you the interview in the first place.  Smile and let them know you still have plenty to offer.   Think of all the positive things you can bring to the job.   You have excellent experience and a proven track record of success in the past.  

But if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect them to believe in you    With the right attitude you have every chance of success – without it, there isn’t a hope! 

Remember in a job interview that you, too, have the right to ask questions. Indeed, you may well be invited to do so and you should be prepared so that you can come up with something intelligen

The decision making process is not only in the hands of the interviewer.  If there is anything at all that is worrying you about the job or the Company, don’t be afraid to bring it up.   You need to have all your questions answered so that you can decide whether you actually want the job. 

You are bound to have questions about things that have arisen during the interview.   You owe it to yourself to understand everything you need to know about the job and the environment you would be working in.  If there is anything that hasn’t been made clear, make sure you ask.   This may be your only opportunity to do so.   

Prepare a couple of questions in advance, just in case your mind goes blank on the day of the interview.   If you have not had the opportunity to draw attention to the fact before, you might like to raise a question starting "I see from  your website that………….."   This leaves them in no doubt that you have done your homework.   Just remember that, as always, preparation is the key if you are to give the best impression to the interviewer.

 Going for a job interview can be a very stressful experience, but there is a lot riding on it so you need to get it just right.  It is most important that you turn up in good time so that you give yourself time to relax before the job interview.   Allow extra time, if you get there early you can always go for a coffee or wait outside for a bit.  

In advance of the day do some preparation so that you know a bit about the Company, you can then give good reasons why you want the job.   Although no amount of advance preparation can overcome your nerves on the day, it can go a long way towards it.   Throughout the job interview look at the person speaking and listen carefully to what is being said to you.  Then take a moment to consider your reply before answering.   If you answer too quickly it is possible in that in the heat of the moment you might say things that you afterwards regret.

Remember to try to look pleasant, even though you may not feel like it.   There is a good chance that the person, or one of the people conducting the job interview will be your direct boss if you get the job.   They are much more likely to want you on their team if they actually like you.   So smile, please and give yourself a better chance of success.