At the moment, the news is ripe with talk that we’re about to experience an economic environment that is similar to pre-GFC conditions. This is exciting news all round, not only because it implies that a recovery is well and truly under way but it also means that we’re looking at plenty of new job opportunities presenting themselves to people out there. With such opportunity about to knock on our door, we thought we’d take a moment to discuss some of the “do’s” and “do not’s” around job interview etiquette.

Go in looking good
The creative industry can tend to be a little casual but even still, if you’re going to rock up to an interview in jeans, t-shirt and three day growth, it isn’t going to create the strongest first impression. Take a bit of pride in your appearance, go in looking modern and sophisticated to ensure that your first impression is “wow!”

Go in feeling confident
Interviews are daunting; you’re not alone in feeling that. However, if you go in with an understanding of your skills, your strengths and just why you should be working for them, you can answer their questions with confidence. Of course, a little bit of preparation prior rehearsing some responses to questions you suspect they may ask will never go astray.

Go in with a bit of common sense
“The problem with common sense is that it isn’t all that common...” We interview people on a constant basis and we can tell you now that people who arrive late, constantly yawn, swear or look entirely disinterested are going to leave us with an impression for all the wrong reasons. Placing yourself in your interviewers shoes, imagine what you would expect to see from a successful candidate and then you’ll know exactly how you should behave and respond in an interview situation.

Go in with a bit of knowledge
Of course, it never hurts to do a little bit of research about the company prior. It shows that you’re truly interested in understanding what the company does, what kind of clients they work with and can match your own experience up more closely with theirs. They’ve got clients in the automotive industry? Impress them with your folio that showcases your work with Mazda or Honda.

Follow these simple rules, charm them with your natural good taste and you’ll be landing that new job within no time.

Do you have any tips on how to successfully conduct an interview? Then share them with us here and we'll publish them in future issues of the Xpose