Interview Preparation

What to wear to a job interview:

Now I don’t want to be insulting anyone, but in general, physiotherapy students the world over are renowned for their casual attire. Turning up to face the hard day of college in their best tracksuit – or even shorts... You just never know when you will be asked to volunteer your leg or other body part or have to demonstrate a technique on someone else. However, when we enter the professional world, our attitudes towards our dress have to change too. Here are a few tips on how you should present yourself when you get that all important interview.

The key objective as regards to correct interview dress is to ensure you appear confident, competent and professional. Having said this, your clothes should not in any way make a statement by themselves or deflect attention from what you have to say during the interview.

Studies show that we humans rightly or wrongly make our mind up about someone within roughly thirty seconds of meeting them. What you wear, your body language and how you communicate all tell a story to the interviewer as to whether or not you are the type of person likely to fit in with their team, the company culture as well as the clients they do business with.

The key message is dress to impress: it's cheesy, but true. If you stroll into the interview wearing nothing but a tracksuit and a smile, the only door you'll find open to you is the one that leads out of the building, no matter how shiny the suit, how dazzling the smile.

For the ladies:

Dark coloured, well fitting suit – either trouser or skirt (knee length or below).
Socks: dark coloured if wearing trousers, skin colour tights if wearing skirt.
Light (pastel or white) coloured open-neck blouse. Not too low cut or too tight.
Shoes: Closed toe, leather, low heel. Make sure you can walk in them. Ensure no scuff marks.
Nails: manicured and clean. Paint in natural colour.
Natural make-up.
Minimal jewellery and perfume.

For the Gentlemen:

Dark coloured, well fitting plain / pinstripe suit.
Shirt: light coloured (e.g. white, light blue) with long sleeves.
Tie: bold colour, plain or with discrete patterns. Avoid large, random patterns or quirky designs.
Socks: Dark without quirky patterns
Shoes: clean, polished black shoes.
Facial hair: cleanly shaven or neatly trimmed if you insist on beard / moustache.
Nails: short and clean.
Aftershave: minimal (not over-powering)

What Not to Wear on a Job Interview:

Flip-flops or sneakers.
Underwear that is visible.
Shorts.
Jeans.
Skirts that are too short.
Trousers that are too low-rise or too tight.
Blouses that are too low-cut or too short - don't show your cleavage or your belly.
All interview outfits should be clean, free of wrinkles or creases, dog hairs, deodorant marks, fraying hems or straining zips and buttons. They should not be ill-fitting i.e not too short / long/ tight / baggy.

What to bring to an interview:

A smart organised briefcase, handbag or folder containing:

• Extra copies of your curriculum vitae on high-quality paper.
• Photocopies of your letters of reference previous employers and character witnesses.
• The notes you took during your pre-interview research.
• Chewing gum or breath mints (to be used prior to the interview, not during it).
• Pens.
• Pocket packet of tissues.
• Spare pair of tights (ladders appear at the worst possible times ladies!)
• Ensure your mobile is on silent.

How to combat interview nerves:

If the very thought of sitting in front of an interview panel is giving you the heebeejeebies – don’t worry. You are not the only one to get nervous – it happens to everyone, it’s just a matter of knowing how to cope with it and prevent it from affecting your interview performance.

Be (over)prepared:

Be comfortable with the content of your CV, as well as the job, industry and the specific site you wish to work.  You should know your employment history and CV like the back of your hand.  You are the world expert on what you have accomplished and achieved.  Prepare what interview questions you may be asked, especially competency based ones.  Prepare in front of a mirror, or if possible, hold mock interviews with friends or family.  Better still, record this so you can clearly pick out if there is anything specific you do when you are nervous, e.g.overusing a word or phrase, twirling your hair, fidgeting with your jewellery, violently tapping your leg etc. If you are aware of your personal reaction to stress it will make it much easier to deal with.  Remember it's acceptable to be stressed, just try to hide it as much as possible from your prospective employer. 

Get there early - but not too early.

Rushing, getting lost, and the fear of being late all provoke anxiety. Print out directions to the interview location the night before (get an alternative route as well) and plan to arrive 30 minutes early. But do not enter the building until 10 minutes before the interview. The anticipation of waiting can be brutal. Have a mini-plan to kill some time before the interview – get some fresh air or do some deep breathing. One of the worst things you can do is get to an interview too early and be stuck waiting in the reception area for too long. If a secretary /receptionist is present, introduce yourself.

In the interview:

• Greet the interviewing panel with a firm handshake (with eye contact) and a smile.
• Keep your posture straight, with your legs crossed at the ankles or feet flat on the floor.  This ensures you come across relaxed and composed.  Don't hunch in your chair or fold your arms, this may come across as nervousness, disinterest or that you are hiding something.  Make frequent eye contact with all of the panel, focusing more attention to the person who asked you the question. However, don't stare continually at someone - this may creep them out just a little!!
• Breathe deeply and regularly throughout the interview (think ACBT - maybe just the relaxed breathing stage, the forced expiratory cough mightn't go down so well!!)
• Listen carefully to the questions, if you are confused, asked the interviewer to restate it.  
• Give a slight pause before answering the questions, this gives you a chance to breathe and organise your thoughts.
• Try to be informal but professional when responding. Speak in a conversational manner, but respond professionally. Focus on speaking slowly and calmly.
• Don't dwell on your mistakes.  Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes.  If you feel yourself starting to painc, take a deep breath, regain composure, refocus and move on to the next question.
• Your body language often says more than your words - you want to come across as open, friendly and professional in your appearance, actions and worde
• If offered an opportunity, ask questions that are related to the performance and practice of the company rather than questions that refer to personal gains.

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