Everything you say during the interview is considered interview content. Here’s a rundown of how to best prepare each type of content:

How do I introduce myself: Prepare a friendly welcome for the interviewer and express gratitude for taking the time to meet with you. Be responsive when the interviewer asks small-talk questions like the weather or your journey to the interview venue.

Research interview questions. Write down your answers to questions to help you remember them. Then practice these answers by reading them out loud to yourself or someone else

Know the company inside and out: You should investigate the company you are interviewing with because you will almost certainly be asked questions about the company.

Prepare questions for the interviewer: You should go into the interview with a list of questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and excitement.

How to dress: If you are unsure as to how to dress for an interview then ring the company and ask them about the dress code. If you don’t want to do this then air on the side of caution and dress up rather than down.

Positive nonverbal behaviours include: Develop the habits that will help you project yourself as a powerful, confident interviewee. Your smile conveys your joy. Your firm handshake exudes confidence, just make sure the interviewer is happy to shake hands given the COVID climate. Strong voice projection denotes self-assurance. Good eye contact demonstrates your ability to connect with others. Your interview comments are animated by small, controlled hand gestures. Mock interviews can help you practise these skills.

Watch out for the following: Serious expression, shaky handshake, timid voice, and lack of eye contact. Don’t attend an interview if you have a cold or sniffles. In this climate of COVID it’s not recommended. At least phone ahead of time to ask if the interviewer is ok with you having a “mild cold”. Also, try not to play with your hair, crack your knuckles, or distract from what you are saying.

Your mentality: In the interview, you must be upbeat and enthusiastic. Act as if you want to be there and are serious about the job. The more you investigate the job and employer and prepare yourself with the other methods, as mentioned earlier, the more confident and eager you are the better.

Getting to the interview: Everything connected to getting to the correct place at the right time with the suitable materials for the interview falls under the category of interview logistics. Here’s a quick rundown on how to best prepare for each part of your interview logistics.

Correct location: Make that you are aware of the interview location. Obtain directions from the organisation or conduct an online search. If feasible, go to the destination ahead of time to verify you understand how to get there.

Timing on the day: Allow time for getting lost, traffic, construction detours, and finding a parking spot, and know how long it will take you to get there (you’ll know if you completed a dry run). Allow extra time to arrive 5 minutes early. Don’t arrive any more than 5 minutes before the interview time, and it is awkward for the interviewer with an employee sitting in the foyer for too long.

Materials to use: Always bring numerous copies of your resume to the interview because you never know how many people will be interviewing you. Bring your professional portfolio as well, if you have one.