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Job Interview Techniques

• 55% - the way we dress, act and walk through the door
  
• 38% - the quality of our voice grammar and overall confidence, and a mere...
  
• 7% - from what we actually say
  
  

What to wear

Choose clothes to show you'll fit in with the company 'look' or 'culture'. Check out what their employees are wearing and try to match that. If anything, err on the side of conservative and formal. Even when going for manufacturing or blue collar jobs, it is definitely worth the effort to wear a collar and tie.

Stay away from lots of jewellery - one simple pair of earrings and a watch is sufficient. (Remember, we are trying not to rule ourselves out based on what our interviewer believes, so keep away from anything that is not mainstream - ie. nose/chin/eyebrow/tongue rings)

Other Presentation & Grooming Tips:

• Have a shower, wash your hair and shave on the morning before the interview
• Have your clothes either dry-cleaned or washed and ironed properly
• Cut and clean nails and wear clear/pale nail polish
• Limit the amount of perfume/aftershave/jewellery you wear
• Have a haircut, beard trim and neck shave if needed
• Clean, and if necessary polish shoes
• Wear something you feel comfortable in - if you're not used to wearing a tie or makeup - don't wear it to an interview (studies have shown women who wear make-up to work get promoted more quickly.)
  
  

Body language / Non-Verbal Communication

Do...

• Smile
• Maintain eye contact
• Sit up straight
• Slightly lean forward in chair
• Acknowledge all people conducting interview
• Nod when appropriate
• Arrive 5-10 mins early
• Give good firm handshake

• Fidget, touch their desk
• Shake your leg, flick hair, sniff, scratch
• Yawn, look at watch at anytime
• Slouch, lean back, cross arms/legs
• Smoke, chew gum, swear or use slang
• Stare, look too serious
• Make any bodily noises
• Appear overly nervous or rushed