We're all going to have to attend an interview at some point in our lives, whether it be to get into College/University, for Postgraduate funding or, more commonly, for a job. So here are some tips (in no particular order) to guide you in the right direction, and to help you avoid any awkward moments!
1) Take a bottle of water into the interview. Personally, I find that because of the nerves and the fact that you will be talking a lot can result in a dry mouth or throat which makes talking a bit difficult. Take bottled water (not a sports bottle), unopened and make sure it's not scruffy (i.e. the label peeling off etc.). Oh! And make sure it's not carbonated (sparkling) water - this might end really badly!
2) PREPARE! This is perhaps the most important tip of them all. Find as much information as you can about the job that you are applying for (you can get this from their website/facebook page, brochures or from graduate guides) so that you can give well-informed answers in the interview. Read over your CV and your motivation letter/application form before going into the interview to refresh your memory. Also, if you can get hold of the job profile/description for the position that you're applying for, make sure you're familiar with it too.
3) When you get to the venue where you will be interviewed and once you have greeted the interviewer/s, ask if you may be seated. Do not simply sit down. This demonstrates respect and makes sure that you avoid the awkwardness if you sit in the wrong place.
4) Do not eat anything with garlic or onions in it for at least 24 hours before the interview. You don't want to have bad breath - and sometimes brushing your teeth isn't enough. Also, if you are a smoker, I would suggest that you don't smoke before the interview, so that you don't go in smelling like smoke. And on the topic of smells, make sure that you don't overdo the perfume/cologne - there's nothing worse than smelling someone before they even enter the room.
5) I'm pretty sure that this is a given, but make sure you dress appropriately. Formal is always the best option. Make sure that your outfit is not too revealing. But also make sure that you are comfortable so that you will relax in the interview rather than worrying about the blister that your shoes are giving you. Ladies, I would avoid heels - formal flats are best - this ensures that you won't trip over anything or twist your ankle.
7) If you are nervous (well, if isn't exactly accurate - you are human, you will be nervous!), SAY SO. When the interviewer asks you how you are say "I'm good thank you, just a bit nervous". This breaks the ice a bit and honesty goes a long way.
8) Think before you answer questions. Even if you spend an entire minute in silence thinking through your answer. I have learned from experience that diving into your answers too quickly often results in you losing your train of thought and rambling or repeating yourself. As I mentioned before, having a bottle of water with you means you can take a sip and think about your answer without sitting there awkwardly.
9) Once the interviewer/s has finished asking you questions, it is possible that they will ask you if there is anything you would like to add. Play this one carefully. Adding to what you've already said can make you seem unconfident in the answers you have already given. I suggest rather, that you say "I think I have covered everything". If there is something you need to add, do so briefly...it's a bit late at this point to try to sell yourself.
10) And finally, walk out of the interview confidently. Shake the interviewer's hand (unless there are more than three people interviewing you - then this becomes an awkward moment), thank them for their time and walk out with your head held high. Even if you're feeling like it didn't go so well.
