Interview techniques for getting the job:
Job Interviews can be dauntingly and a bit scary but they'll be much better if you go prepared for it! Getting a job can take you through several stages and, especially with hospitality, you may have to go through trials. Take time to gather your thoughts and write key elements that you consider important down on paper.

Remember, an interview works both ways and they are not just there to interview you, you should be interviewing them as well so make sure you have some good questions at least 3 or 4 of them. It is also good to ask the interviewer what they can offer you with regards to your career and how they see the job which you are applying for developing in the future. This will no doubt let the employer know that you are serious about the job and that you are considering it longer term (should this be what you are looking for).

Preparing Yourself – Getting That Job
It is paramount to prepare for an interview. In doing so you will be more confident and appear more focused, calm and professional.

• Its really important to reply and confirm that you are attending the interview for the job.
• Research the company you are applying for the job with. It is always nice for a interviewer to be able to bond and talk about things that they have in common with the applicant – having a good knowledge of the company will do this and create conversation. The company websites will be good for this.
• Be on top of any news stories about the company – its a good chance that they are expanding if they are taking on new people. Gaining knowledge in the company is a great idea – shows you're interested in them.
• Have ready answers to questions that you think you might be asked.
• It is really important to look the part – this might be in a suit or something else depending on what type of company they are and the position/job that you are applying for. You've heard the expression 'First Impressions Count', well what you wear will be a large part of this.
• Know where you are going! You should plan your route and have a good idea as to how long you think it is going to take you. If it is not too far away you could travel there a few days before your interview to be absolutely sure and if not, make sure you leave plenty of time as being late will have a bearing on that first impression!

Ways to make a Good Impression – Getting That Job
A lot of employers will make their minds up in the first few minutes on whether they think you're right for the job. If you look the part, have arrived on time and are prepared you stand a much better chance of the interview going smoother and more calmly.

Ways to make a good first impression:

• Wear the right attire for the interview and type of company you are applying to.
• Being pleasant, polite and appear happy to be there.
• Don't mumble to the interviewer – speak clearly and concisely and not too quietly.

Listen
It is really important to listen to your interviewer, not just to be able to pick up on topics in the conversation but also so that you don't get lost along the way. Don't interrupt the interviewer as this is rude and try not to put your hands to your face too much. Eye contact is essential but try not to look through the interviewer. Try and practice on your friends or family to improve your technique. It is also important to listen to yourself so that you don't repeat and also so that you know what you have said previously and being able to relate it to something else in the conversation.

Honesty
If the interviewer asks you something and you are not sure of the answer, be honest and tell them so. Its much better than trying to talk your way through something that you have no idea about. The interviewer will have much more respect for you in this case and you'll be able to carry onto the next subject of conversation more cleanly.

Don't talk too much
If the conversation goes quiet, don't start speaking just to fill in the silence – silence is sometimes used as a technique to see how you'll react in that situation. It is best to throw the ball back into the interviewers court, be asking yourself if what you said answered their question.