The perfect ...

interview
Clammy hands, thudding heart, dry mouth - everyone gets unsettled by interviews. But
shrug on your best suit, try to conquer your nerves and follow our advice, and you can't
fail to impress

Jon Bentham​ guardian.co.uk

You’ve bagged an interview for your dream job, and you’re the best candidate by a mile. But forget any ideas
you might have about your abilities shining through of their own accord. Interviewing well is a skill like any
other, and it takes knowledge, commitment and hard work to come out on top. Remember, every employer is
going to ask themselves two things about you: Are you qualified for the job? And are you enthusiastic? Taking
the time to prepare a perfect interview will successfully answer both these questions.

● Dress to impress
If you look untidy, that’s how you’ll be remembered.
If in doubt, it’s always better to be too smart than too laid back.
“Wearing a suit or a smart dress sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe the number of candidates
who turn up in jeans and t-shirt. It sounds patronising telling someone to dress smart, but a lot of
people coming out of school or university just aren’t interview-savvy.” Simon Milne, recruitment
consultant

● Prepare, prepare, prepare!

List likely questions in advance.
Memorise your answers.
Check the time and place of your interview.
Find out how to get there.
Research the company you want to work for.
Research the person interviewing you - a rudimentary search on the net might throw up some useful
information.

● Get physical
Never underestimate the importance of a firm, confident handshake and positive body language.
“I was once told by an employer that they turned down my candidate because he slouched in his
chair. You have to look keen and engaged, so mirror the body language of the person interviewing
you, lean in towards them at times and don’t cross your arms. Always accept a glass of water, it can
create a useful barrier during an uncomfortable question and buy you a few crucial seconds while you
take a sip. But never take a biscuit — they’ll often try to throw you with a difficult question the moment
you take a big bite." Alice Stenhouse, City headhunter

● Use examples
It’s no good just using abstract terms to talk about how organised or efficient you are.
Prepare some examples from your past experience to immediately back up your claims.
Emphasise what unique talents you’ll be bringing to the company.
Don’t go too far though - pretending you’re some kind of superhero will make you hard to relate to.
Show humility - talk about an area you’ve struggled at, and the way you overcame the problem.

● Always be positive​
“When you’re asked why you’re moving on, don’t start slagging off your old boss. A lot of industries
are very close knit and you may be insulting the interviewer’s friend. Think of positive reasons — make
it all about the new company, your new career prospects and your ambition to succeed.
"Prepare at least 15 questions to ask at the end – five about the role, five about the company, and five
specifically about the interviewer. Candidates look at me like I’m mad when I tell them this, but you’ll
find most of your prepared questions will be answered during the course of the interview, and they’re
crucial for showing your interest in the role. " Simon Milne.

● Ending the interview

"At the end, try asking if they have any reservations about you – this will give you the perfect
opportunity to give an immediate riposte to their concerns and provide you with a clean finish to the
interview.” Simon Milne.
VOCABULARY​: FIND WORDS, PHRASES OR SENTENCES MEANING....
1. be nervous
2. get
3. you are certainly the best person for the job
4. showing themselves without no effort on your side
5. elegant
6. (slang) relaxed
7. possible
8. before
9. find out information about
10. fail to give sth or sb their proper value
11. greeting using the hand
12. interested
13. support
14. advance with great effort
15. solve
16. (informal) criticize
17. quick reply

COMPREHENSION CHECK​: According to the article, are the candidates in the

following situations going to be successfull at the job interview? Why (not)?

1. “I´m sorry I´m late but I took the wrong bus”

2. “Eeh, let me think...my previous experience...mmm...”

3. “I´m sorry what do you exactly do? I´ve never heard about this company before”

4. “I´ve heard the company is expanding. You have opened a new branch in NY. I think
that´s great”

5. “I can´t think of any difficult situation I have faced. No, not really”

6. “I have a lot of experience at customer assistance. I am nice but sometimes you need to
be firm. For example, a few weeks ago, I had to deal with an angry client who....
In the end, he apologized, thanked me for my help and left. After that, I needed my coffee
break. That was hard”

7. “ The truth is I am quite happy in my present job but I think your company can offer me
better career prospects”

8. “Are you married?”

9. “Will the position involve travelling abroad?”

YOUR OPINION​: Answer the questions

1. Is there any piece of advice you do not agree with? Which? Why?
2. Think about an interview you have had and check the points above. Did you follow
the advice? Be specific and give examples
3. Did you get the job?
4. If so, what do you think made the difference between you and the other candidates?
5. If not, why do you think you failed?