How to show up for an interview

• Read up on the industry and the company.
• Study the job description carefully.
• Work through sample questions.
• Do practice interviews.

These things build self-confidence. And they prepare you to convince the interviewers you are the top candidate. This article focuses on the logistics of the interview:

Professional but not overdressed

Find out in advance what people dress like at that company. Then dress like that for the interview. As an interviewer, I am not impressed when someone shows up over dressed. It can only make things awkward. Only wear a suit and tie if that is what you will be doing on the job. You want to look professional while being comfortable and authentic. Go ahead and wear your best appropriate outfit. Be as presentable as you can but try not to overdo it.

The early bird gets the worm

There is almost no excuse for being late for an important interview. Emergencies and other problems happen. Just phone to reschedule the moment you realise you might not make it. For in-person interviews, aim to arrive well in advance. 30 minutes is a good target. It leaves room for traffic, finding parking and signing in at reception. The goal is to be 100% ready with at least 5 minutes to spare. And to do all of this without rushing.

The same principle applies to video conference interview. Don’t start looking for the meeting link when the interview is about to start. Your system might need to install a plugin. Your software might not work the first time you launch it. The point is, you can’t assume everything is going to work perfectly. Try to log in 5 to 10 minutes early. This gives you time to let people know you are having technical difficulties.

Lights, camera, action

Many interviews are now done over Zoom, Teams and other digital platforms. So, it’s worth talking about that. I’m still shocked when candidates dial in with their camera off. Interviewers worth their salt will insist you put your camera on. So you might as well do it from the start.

Make sure the lighting is good where you are sitting beforehand. When the interview starts your video will be nice and clear. And make sure your internet connection is good. People are now expected to be able to work remotely. You are trying to show the panel that you can do the job. Poor internet is sending the wrong message.

Worried about your home internet? Then go to a restaurant with super-fast internet. Or to a friend or family member who has a great connection. But solve that problem before the interview. Don't jeopardise your chances because of technology.

And lastly, background noise is also something you should think about in advance. What happens when your dogs decide to have a barking contest? Or the neighbour starts felling trees halfway through the interview? You need to be prepared for that. Either use a headset from the start or have one ready. And make sure you've tested it so switching over goes smoothly.