There are three essential things to remember:

1. It´s all about what you can do for the employer, not the other way around. Candidates who ask primarily about their terms and conditions, their careers, their opportunities, etc. tend to be unsuccessful candidates.
   
   
2. For all the glittering successes listed in your CV, when it comes down to it, most people want to hire someone they will like working with. Don´t forget the human dimension!
   
   
3. Interviewers are not telepathic. If you come over as a frightened mouse then that is what they will see you as - the fact that inside you are not is irrelevant so you must work extra hard on your people skills.

Some interviewing do´s and don´ts:

• Aim to get there early so you are not tense through rushing. Try to be in their offices 5 - 10 minutes early so you can experience the atmosphere.
  
  
• First impressions do count. Be polite, greet the interviewer(s) with a smile, handshake and eye contact. Wait to be asked to sit down.
  
  
• Most interview questions are merely starting points for discussion - feel free to expand upon the topic if you think it appropriate.
  
  
• Interviewers get very bored seeing lots of dull people. Where possible make the interview interesting for them - if appropriate treat the interview as a discussion, where you ask as many questions as they do.
  
  
• Act confident, but not so much that you appear cocky or arrogant.
  
  
• If more than one interviewer, look the questioner in the eye when answering a question.
  
  
• Answer all questions honestly - if interviewers detect deception, omission or half-truths you will not get the job.
  
  
• When the interviewer speaks about the position, take brief notes of the position´s information. Show interest and enthusiasm.
  
  
• Always be positive. Criticism of previous employers/bosses gives a very bad impression - as do lame excuses to avoid admitting you were wrong.
  
  
• As the interview ends, the interviewer may ask if you have any questions. Use this time to clarify your understanding of the position if necessary. Briefly state why you are the right person for the job. Do not tell the interviewer why you want the job, but what benefits hiring you will bring the employer.
  
  
• Make sure that you leave the interview shaking the hand of the interviewer(s) and thanking them for sparing the time to interview you. If you have not been told, ask when you will hear their decision - remember last impressions can count too.

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	Getting a Job as a Career Paralegal
Preparation The Covering Letter Your CV The Interview