CGC Ebook 5.0

5. Dress to impress Prepare an appropriate outfit that is neat and clean with minimal jewellery. Certain industries have a standard of dress etiquette, so make sure you know what that is. A simple look at staff wear on their website can give you an idea. If in doubt, opt to be smarter, as you can remove a jacket or tie to look more informal. Dressing well can also increase your confidence and give a good professional image. Naturally, the interviewer will respond well to someone who comes across as confident and feeling good about themselves. 6. Arrive early for your interview Never be late for an interview – plan your journey allowing ample time for disruptions and finding the location. If you are not sure of the journey time or the location then do a trial run to the venue. That will make you less anxious on the day about where you are going and how long it will take to get there. If your interview is online then familiarise yourself with the technology, sound, camera and lighting. You should try to be at least fifteen minutes early for a location interview and five minutes early if online. (See our video interview tips for how to prepare.)

3. Practise your answers Whether your interview is online or face-to-face you can always rehearse how you will answer some of the typical questions that an interviewer may ask. Getting feedback on what you say but also the way you convey it will really help you improve your delivery. Having someone identify unhelpful mannerisms or highlight the questions you didn’t answer fully in a supportive environment can boost your confidence and better prepare you for the interview. Seek out a professional recruiter, career coach, HR manager or someone you know with interviewing experience to help you. 4. Plan what to bring Bring along additional copies of your CV, job application, qualifications and any certificates that an employer has requested. You may also need to take documents such as identification that shows your legal right to work in the UK, a DBS certificate, portfolio or presentation if you‘ve been asked to deliver one.