Interview

Read the following tips to be better prepared for an interview.

1. Memorize your CV.
2. Find out about the company. Visit the company's Web site or read a few pamphlets about what it does. This will help you explain to the interviewer why you want to work there. (e.g. values, activity sector, dynamic company, etc.)
3. Make sure you know where your interview will take place so you're not late. You could even make the trip beforehand.
4. Decide what you're going to wear ahead of time.

You should also be aware that the first impression is often the one that people remember the most, and also the one that will probably count the most if an employer has to choose between two equally-qualified candidates. Always keep your sense of humour and stay calm: it will help!

Here are a few tips to follow … and mistakes to avoid!

Tips to follow	Mistakes to avoid
Arrive 5 to 10 minutes ahead of time.	Arrive late or too early (which could increase your level of stress).
Arrive well groomed and watch your posture. Dress appropriately and conservatively: it's your best bet.	Have bad breath, slouch or wear inappropriate clothing or jewelry (jeans, old t-shirt or tank top, nose ring, running shoes, etc.).
Smile and give the interviewer a firm handshake when you introduce yourself. Look the interviewer in the eyes throughout the interview. This will show that you are open to discussion, self-confident and optimistic. Avoid making too many hand gestures.	Be shy, forget to smile, look at your feet or even worse, be arrogant or impatient.
Use formal language and address the interviewer with respect.	Swear, show disrespect or speak in slang.
Give developmental answers. Respond directly, honestly and positively to questions while taking time (but not too much time) to think about your answers to go straight to the point.	Interrupt, finish the interviewer's sentences, forget to think before you speak or blurt out nonsense.
Speak well of former employers or colleagues (if the interviewer asks you about your relationships with them).	Criticize or put down former employers or colleagues.
Be natural, friendly, dynamic, interesting and alert. Let the interviewer take the lead. Respect his or her silences.	Pretend to be someone you're not, appear uninterested or tune out of the conversation.
At the end of the interview, there is usually a question period. Use this time wisely if the interviewer didn't give you enough information about duties, salary or schedule. Ask the interviewer about the post-interview process to find out when you will hear about the job.	Ask questions while the interviewer is speaking. Many of your questions will likely be answered if you are patient.
Thank the interviewer for his or her time and shake hands.	Leave without thanking or shaking hands with the interviewer.
If the employer tells you that you will receive a call on a specific date, wait an extra two or three days. Then, if he or she hasn't contacted you, call to reiterate your interest in the job and ask at which stage of the hiring process they are.	Follow up before the date the employer gave you. The decision may not have been made yet, and you will seem pushy.

• Many questions come up often during interviews. You can start preparing by thinking of answers that will "sell" you to the employer. Read a list of these questions.
  
  
• Find out more about interview evaluation criteria!

Even if you don't get the position, you will have gained experience for the next one and maybe learned more about your career objectives.