We love the quote from the Dr. Seuss book ‘Oh the Places you’ll go’:
“Congratulations!  Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!”
Finally, after months of sending out your CV you have received that call. They want to see YOU for an interview! And as exciting as it may seem, you can’t get that knot out of your stomach. ‘What if I mess up? What if I say something silly?’ Well, if that’s where you are at, fear not. We are here to help with a few tips to ensure you arrive at your interview confident and well prepared.

• Research the Company – We will do our best to give you some background on the company as well as the location and directions to the interview but we highly suggest that you do your own research too. It will help you prepare to both answer interview questions and to ask the interviewer questions.
• Dress Smart – No matter what position you are being interviewed for it is important that you dress appropriately to ensure you present a positive image to the employer. Be neat, tidy and well groomed.
• What to bring – It’s always a good idea to bring along certified copies of your qualifications, a copy of your ID/passport and a list of questions for the interviewer. Make sure these are neatly packed in a folder. Also bring along a pen and note pad.
• Arrive on Time – First impressions are crucial and set the scene for the interview so make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early so you can catch your breath and collect your thoughts. Map out the company’s location so you know approximately how long it will take you to get to the interview and so you don’t get lost. Be sure to factor in traffic and rush hour.
• Be Confident – Start off with a firm handshake and make good eye contact. Try to remember the names of the people interviewing you and refer to them by their name. This will be sure to get you off on the right foot.
• Practice the Interview – Go over some basic interview questions with a friend/spouse or family member. This will give you a framework for you answers so you don’t feel put on the spot. We are happy to provide you with a list of general interview question to help you with this.
• Be prepared for Technical Questions –   If you are applying for a technical position then the interview will most likely be technical so be prepared for this. We have often seen candidates who know the answers but find it difficult putting them into words is difficult. Our advice would be to ask yourself a few technical questions and then answer them aloud to help you formulate and word your thoughts. It may sound strange, but it works.
• If you really want the job, think about how you can be a valuable asset to the company and the team. When asked “where do you see yourself going”, answer this question with the company in mind, you want to re-assure the company that you are looking at long term growth with them and not just your personal development.

Take a deep breath, relax and be yourself! Today is the day, you are off to great places, you are off and away!