With unemployment so high, and often scores of applicants chasing every job, you have to count yourself lucky to be called for an interview. If it's your first, you're bound to be nervous. (In fact if you're not nervous maybe your attitude is wrong!) But don't let the jitters side-track you from the main issue - which is getting this job. The only way you can do that is by creating a good impression on the person who is interviewing you. Here's how: DO:
Find out as much as you can about the job beforehand. Ask the job centre or employment agency for as much information as possible.
Jot down your qualifications and experience and think about how they relate to the job. Why should the employer employ you and not somebody else?
Choose your interview clothing with care; no one is going to employ you if you look as though you've wandered out of a disco. Whether you like it or not, appearance counts.
Make sure you know where the interview office is and how to get there. Be on time, or better, a few minutes early.
Bring a pen; you will probably be asked to fill in an application form. Answer the questions as best you can. And write neatly. The interviewer will be looking at application during the interview; he or she must be able to read it.
Have a light meal to eat, and go to the toilet. If you don't, you may well be thinking about your inside during the interview.
DON'T:
Ever walk into the interview chewing gum, sucking on a sweet or smoking.
Forget to bring with you any school certificates, samples of your work or letters of recommendation (letters of reference) from your teachers or anyone else you might have worked part-time for.
Have a drink beforehand to give you courage!