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[Print-friendly version] Stages of the interview process. Stage: Explanation: Preparation   Entry Focus on developing rapport between you and the interviewer. The first 2 minutes is where critical first impressions are formed. The key word are 'confidence and enthusiasm'. Despite your anxiety, you need to display these behaviours. Strategies: Introduce yourself and shake hands firmly Good eye contact and smile Take the initiative to make small talk about the weather or local news etc. Be sensitive to the interviewer and follow his or her lead. Sit well back in the chair so that your upper body is slightly forward in posture to emphasis your enthusiasm, and don't cross arms.. Talk about yourself as a person, provide details of your tertiary study, work history, and extra curricular activities. Don't fidget or distract the interviewers away from your answers Body The interviewer will want to know about your skills and competencies as well as your potential fit to the position, the team you will work in , and their clients or customers. Strategies: Answers prepared for most of the usual questions Clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses Relate your experiences and knowledge to the job Anticipate possible concerns the employer might have e.g. poor academic performance or gap in employment Emphasise what you can contribute to the organisation Closing It is important to finish the interview on a good note and leave having made a good impression. Strategies: Be aware of the expected time span allocated for the interview Be sensitive to the interviewer's moves to close the interview Have a few questions to ask in the event that they do not cover them during the interview Enquire about the next stage and a possible timeframe of the interview process Arrange a time to contact them if you have not heard from them by a certain date Ask for advice about other leads if it is very clear they have no immediate plans to hire you Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and consideration Shake hands and leave promptly in a confident and positive manner.   .