First impressions count Whether we like it or not, judgments are made about us by the way we look, our clothes, hair, facial expressions, and our posture. These decisions will usually be made within the first few seconds of meeting with you. Even before you speak, your interviewer will be absorbing non-verbal clues about you. You will be judged by how you stand, how you walk, how you shake hands, how you smile, and how you sit. That’s why it’s important to plan your clothes, and even how you comb your hair before a meeting. The way you present yourself can help influence a person’s impression of you. For example, dark clothing suggests authority; lighter colours suggest friendliness or a sense of humour; lots of jewellery suggests power or wealth. Your hair style might suggest sensible, cutting-edge, formal or friendly; your make-up can suggest glamorous or professional.


Take a genuine interest Focus on the interviewer as a person and your overall attitude is likely to become more genuine. When you first meet a prospective employer, visualise that person as an important guest in your home. Naturally then, you will be glad to see them, and you want to make them feel welcome and at ease. Your overall goal should be to understand them rather than expecting them to understand you. However, don’t be too friendly too quickly,


or you may appear false. Instead, hold yourself back, and increase your level of curiosity.


Remember to: • Smile when you first see your interviewer • Establish and maintain eye contact • Be the first to say hello and extend your hand • Deliver a sincere greeting • Use the person’s name • Do more listening than talking


Five tips 1


for interview success


Do your research Make sure you have some knowledge of the company you’re applying to join. You are sure to be asked something on the business, so take a


look at their website and update yourself on any recent news. Visit thecaterer.com and see if it’s been written about recently.


2 3 4


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Practise your answers Think about what your strengths and weaknesses are. These types of questions crop up time and again, so make sure you’re able to


explain why you would like the job and how you wish to take advantage of the opportunity to join the company, and what your ideal position might be in the future.


Look the part Appearances shouldn’t matter, but they do. People will form opinions about you before you’ve even uttered a word. Of course opinions


can change, but it’s best to start out on the right foot. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle.


Stay calm If you’ve thought about the questions you might be asked you’re already on the way to being quietly confident. Nerves are perfectly


natural, but give yourself every chance of being calm by planning your journey beforehand and making sure you arrive in plenty of time. It might be an idea to have everything ready the night before so that you’re not feeling flustered in the morning.


Ask questions Prepare a couple of questions for your interviewer to show you’re interested in the role. You might ask for more information on


the role, or on the overall ethos of the company.


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