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Well done, you have been invited to interview!  Here are a few tips on helping you prepare:

• Wear appropriate attire - if you are not sure what to wear, ring and ask. If your situation does not allow you to look your best, ring up and advise the interviewer beforehand.   As a rule, take extra care with your appearance.  Avoid visual distractions such as loud ties, sheer fabrics, heavy jewellery and unwashed hair or hair that flops in your eyes or needs to be constantly pushed back.  Ideally, wear clothes that are comfortable so you are concentrating on what is being asked of you.
• Take a copy of your resume with you. The interviewer should have one, but it is better to be prepared and provide you with extra confidence in being able to refer to the detail.
• Take an original and copy of your relevant qualifications.  Most employers will want to cite the originals and then to keep a copy.  This might include your driver’s license, White Card, school results or other qualifications that you have.
• It will help your cause if you research the organisation and have a reasonable understanding of who they are and what they do.
• Act positively and appear interested. Even if you are not terribly excited about the position, a positive approach will mean you leave a lasting favourable impression.  
• Make eye contact with the interviewer - it suggests confidence and honesty.
• Smile!  Engaging comfortably with your interviewers will build rapport.  Most interviewers will work hard to help you relax – as they realise that it is the best way of learning about you and bringing the best out in you.
• Have a reason for your interest in the position. Even if you are unemployed and it is obvious you need a job, you need to articulate what attracts you to this job.
• Prepare well - you will need to offer specific examples. You will need a Situation or Task, the Action you took and the Result or outcome (often referred to as the STAR principle).   See the article on ‘How to Interview Well’. 
• Anticipate a question on weaknesses. Nobody is perfect, so understand your areas for development. Talk about something you have found difficult but are taking steps to overcome - awareness and willingness to change is a good combination.
• Come prepared with referee names and contact details – also ensure that you have briefed your referees ahead of time and that they are prepared.  Have an understanding of what your referee will say about you.
• Ask questions – most interviewers will ask if you have any questions.  This is the time to clarify process, benefits, timeframes, terms and conditions on offer etc.  However, DO NOT ask, “what is it that the Company can do for me?”  Instead, you can more positively seek information by providing context, eg “I’m really interested in developing my skills further.  I’m interested to know what kind of training and development programs the company offers”.

Remember, the more you practice for an interview, the more confident and better your performance on the day. Good luck!

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