The first interview is your opportunity to present the skills and experience you can offer a potential employer – remember at interview you are selling you.

Preparation is the key to a successful interview

1. Before the Interview

• explore the employer 
• find out what type of interview you should expect - a one on one interview, or with a panel 
• ensure you know the address you are expected to conduct the interview 
• confirm the name(s) of the interviewer(s) you are to be meeting with 
• evaluate your resume and any information you may have come across during your research 
• anticipate potential interview questions and prepare your answers; always anticipate the question you would least like to answer 
• prepare questions you would like to have answered about the company and the position 
• allow plenty of time for your interview; you don't want to be so pressed for time that you rush the interview 
• ensure a business-like first impression 

2. Create a Good First Impression

• dress professionally 
• arrive 15 minutes early for the interview 
• look confident and smile 
• while interviewing avoid chewing gum, drinking coffee
• be pleasant, sincere and honest with everyone 
• when meeting the interviewer(s) for the first time, introduce yourself, make eye contact and shake hands firmly 
• sell yourself 

3. After the Interview

• be sure to write a thank-you note/letter to the interviewer(s)
• follow-up with the interviewer(s); you, or the interviewer(s) may have set a specific date for a follow-up call; phone them if that date has passed without any news 
• don't let up on your job search efforts until you have an offer in hand; keep on finding job leads and follow them through