2 Preparation and Confidence

These two essential ingredients are interlinked. Good preparation instils confidence.
So the basic approach to an interview is to be well prepared. This means two things - preparing yourself practically for the interview, and gathering knowledge and information you can draw on during the interview.

• Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewee where appropriate.
• Check out how you will get to the location, and when you need to set off to be there in good time - do a dummy run if necessary. Plan to get there no earlier than half an hour before the interview time, anticipate delays.
• Have what you are going to wear ready in advance - everything down to your underwear.
• Do not go to the interview laden down with baggage - psychological as well as physical. Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary. Concentrate on the interview at the interview - nothing else.
• If you are asked to bring certificates, references etc, get them ready before the day. Take your interview letter.
• On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there, visit the toilets to tidy up etc.