Your behaviour at a job interview can offer a fresh start after a business has failed or you've been made redundant. Five experts spell out the golden rules

Harry Freedman, chief executive of Career Energy, a career management and outplacement consultancy

Statistics show that we make lasting judgements about people within the first two minutes of meeting them. Fifty five per cent are to do with appearance; 38 per cent concern behaviour; and only seven per cent are based on what the person actually says.

The most important thing you can do if you want to make a good impression is to "look the part". Make sure you are familiar with the way staff at the company usually dress and aim to match the style. If in doubt, formal business attire is the best option. Look understated-wear dark colours and sober ties, and cut back on jewellery.

Body language is crucial in interviews, which run more smoothly when both parties adopt similar sitting positions. If your interviewer appears to be too tense or uncomfortable, then gradually relax your posture. You will find that they will similarly soften their own and your conversation should flow more easily.

Make eye contact regularly, but don't stare—keep your expression warm and natural. Too little contact means you are disinterested while too much is threatening. Face your interviewer and sit with an open, relaxed pose. Use your hands as part of your communication, but don't force yourself to do anything. It is more important that you should be focused and natural.

Richard Alberg, founder and chief executive of MyNewJob.me, an online outplacement service

Many job seekers are looking for work for the first time in years. So how can they maximise their chances? Performing well at an interview starts with the job application. A thoughtful, well-prepared application and CV set the tone for a dialogue between an applicant and an employer. Many CVs are just too generic. We encourage job seekers to carefully customise their CV to the position being sought, showing an understanding of the company, the role, and especially why they have the experience, attributes and potential to do the job.

Ensuring the application looks right is also a key part of mentally preparing for the interview. Appearance, body language, and confidence in the meeting are important, but far too many candidates fail to do the basic research and planning needed to stand out from other applicants. In today's connected world there is no excuse for a lack of preparation. Having studied the company and identified why they fit the role, candidates can approach the interview knowing that they are answering the vital question: Why should we pick you?

Penny de Valk, chief executive, Institute of Leadership & Management

Competition for jobs is fierce so you need to give yourself the best chance possible. The basics are obvious: do your research on the company, practise your interview technique and wear a suit when you meet an employer-it's the safest option.

The interview starts the moment you enter the building and doesn't end until you leave the premises, so be polite to everyone you meet and don't take personal calls while you're in reception-you never know who may be listening.

If you have been out of the jobs market for a long time you may never have used a recruiter before. But recruitment consultants are a modern reality of looking for a new role. Ensure you find reputable agencies that understand your industry and recruit for it.

Good consultants will meet you before they put you forward for a position. They will assess your personality, experience and interview technique, and decide if they want to introduce you to clients.

Put yourself in the best position possible. Bouncing back-attitudes to unemployment, a research report by the Institute of Leadership & Management, found that those responsible for recruitment in organisations believe the three main activities where individuals can boost their employability are: studying for a relevant vocational or academic qualification; keeping up to date with industry developments; and doing voluntary work.

Rebecca Clake, research manager at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

You may have been in your current position and company for some time. So take the opportunity to thoroughly review and refresh your CV. Concentrate on specific achievements and experiences you want to talk about at the interview.

Interviews tend to focus less on biographical career history, so be prepared to give clear examples about your competency for a role. Show how you have behaved in particular situations and achieved results. Look carefully at the job description. Tailor both your CV and the approach you take in the interview to the needs of the position you are seeking. And show how your experience is just what an employer needs. There's no substitute for detailed research into a sector or industry. You need to demonstrate your understanding of their business issues and challenges.

Leadership style and cultural fit are also critical. Remember to talk about how you've worked with colleagues and demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Think about the enduring contributions you've made, not just the short-term wins. The skill to deliver sustainable performance within an organisation is what employers are seeking following the credit crunch.

Emphasise your understanding of the importance of motivating and engaging the workforce. And finally, don't forget to ask your own questions—you need to know the organisation is the right place for you, and an employer must understand that it matters enough for you to ask.

 

Sally Cowing, development worker at WorkWise, a specialist training and employment body

Here are my 10 tips for success at a job interview:
• Reread the job description to be sure what the work entails and what kind of person is being sought.
• Take another look at your CV and covering letter or application to be clear what you have said about yourself.
• Know your strengths and how you match the job description. Ensure you can explain gaps in your employment record.
• Research the internet and other company information so you can respond to searching questions such as: Why do you want to work for the company?
• Check the interview invitation for any additional requirements such as tests, demonstrations or group discussions. Prepare and practise.
• Identify extra information you need to take. Don't hamper yourself by supplying irrelevant certificates.
• Consider carefully answers to questions about your skills and experience.
• Use any opportunities for interview coaching before your meeting.
• Prepare clothing the night before. Make sure your appearance gives a positive, professional image.
• Finally, check arrangements, and plan your route and timings to get you to the interview punctually.