The best way to avoid arriving at an interview in a panic-stricken state is to prepare thoroughly in the run-up to interview day. Sure, this involves a lot of research and thinking about possible interview answers, but basic preparation done in advance, such as identifying routes and timings, will help you focus on the important aspects. Here are our tips on making sure you get the small details right.
Travel arrangements
The importance of making appropriate travel arrangements to get to your interview may seem obvious. However, this is frequently a problem for candidates. Make sure you’re on time and you’ll have an immediate advantage over those who turn up late. It’s simple, but it’s true. Arriving late is consistently cited in surveys as one of the top reasons that recruiters reject candidates at interview stage. Nearly half of recruiters won’t give a candidate a job if they are more than 10 minutes late for interview – regardless of how well they perform.
Where is the employer based? If the employer occupies a number of rooms in separate buildings, it is easy to end up in the wrong place. You need to plan your route in advance. It may seem obvious but if you need to get the train, where is the nearest station? Sketch yourself a little map or, even better, print one off the web. You need to check precisely where you are expected to go and then make doubly sure that you know exactly how to get there.
It is obviously vital for you to find out when the interview is to be held – calculate how long it will take you to get there and make sure that you leave in plenty of time (particularly if you are relying on public transport). You should be aiming to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of your interview – not 10 minutes after!
Personal safety
Your personal safety might not even cross your mind when you receive an invitation for an interview. You’re probably far more focused on the opportunity the interview presents.
While it is true that the vast majority of job interviews are straightforward in terms of personal safety, it doesn’t take a great effort to adhere to a few simple rules:
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First and foremost, always tell a friend, relative or trusted colleague precisely where you are going and what time they can expect you back.
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Never agree to be interviewed anywhere other than the organisation’s premises or in some other public or official place.
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Try to arrange to have someone collect you if the interview is taking place outside normal office hours, especially if it’s after dark. Never let the interviewer drive you home.
Setting off
Make sure that you allow yourself enough time to get ready (gather your thoughts, go to the lavatory, check your appearance in the mirror, double-check your appearance in the mirror). You should always make sure you take a copy of your CV or application form with you – so that you can refer to it immediately prior to, and even during, the interview if necessary. Ideally you shouldn’t need to refer to it too much; reading through it shortly before the interview should be sufficient to refresh your memory of its contents. Also, remember to take the letter inviting you to the interview and any maps that you might need. Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to take copies of your exam certificates (or even the originals), records of achievement and so on with you. Also, try to establish what the weather is likely to do and make sure you’re prepared for it. You don’t want to arrive soaking wet!
Eating
I would recommend steering clear of garlic, curry and other pungent foods before your interview – or even the night before. They’re likely to remain on your breath and, if you sweat when you’re nervous (and most of us do) then the organic chemicals that cause these odours are likely to ooze out all over your skin and evaporate into the air around you. Best avoided really!
Drinking
Avoid alcohol at all costs. If you’ve planned and prepared properly you won’t need any ‘Dutch courage’. There are numerous stories of shy or nervous candidates turning up at interview after one drink too many, including in one case a bus driver. It goes without saying that alcohol impairs your judgment. It’s probably best to avoid drinking too much the night before as well. You don’t want to turn up for an interview hungover and dehydrated and suffer from the dreaded ‘dry mouth’. It could make it rather difficult to answer the questions.
Smoking
While you might feel a greater need for a cigarette than usual, try a nicotine patch for the day instead. Smoke before an interview and the smell will follow you in to the interview room on your breath, on your clothes and in your hair. Nicotine patches may not relieve the craving as effectively as a proper cigarette does – but today is definitely one day when it will be worth the suffering.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum to freshen your breath might be a good idea before your interview, but make sure you discard it before you arrive for the interview. Bin it before you even get to the premises. It doesn't make for a good impression to arrive in reception and drop your gum in the bin.
Mobile phones
Surveys show that having a mobile phone ring during an interview – or, worse, actually answering a mobile phone during an interview – is a common reason for a recruiter to reject a candidate. It’s common sense but you’d be surprised how many people forget – or simply don’t think about it.
Written by James Innes, founder of The CV Centre.
