Muhammad Ali said,
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”

• Research the company very well so you can discuss them. (Visit them, talk with their staff if you can.)
• Prepare specific real life examples from your work or private life that illustrate you at your best (these should include leadership, problem-solving, team work, learning new skills, adapting to change, dealing with conflict, passionate endeavour, etc.)
• Identify their dress style and match this as closely as possible.
• Formulate questions to ask that will determine if you think this role is right for you.

“Ask not what the interviewer can do for you, but what you can do for the interviewer.” – John F Kennedy paraphrased

• Arrive on time with an enthusiasm that is natural to you, and self confidence.
• Be friendly and positive with everyone you see (you have 30 seconds from your arrival in front of the interviewer(s) to make a strong impression.)
• Have a succinct summary of what you offer to the role in terms of skills and personal qualities.
• Answer their questions in 1 ˝ to 2 minutes maximum.
• Never discuss salary. Do discuss what really motivates you.
• If you don’t understand what you have been asked, reflect back to clarify. (i.e., "Are you asking me…?")
• Make sure you have told them about the skills and personal attributes that you will contribute to the organisation/company and utilise in this role.
• Before you leave, make sure the interviewer knows you want the role (if, in fact, you do want it!)

“A Diamond is a lump of coal that stuck with it.” – Diane Nyad (marathon swimmer)

• Review your performance during the interview. Practice those questions that gave you difficulty and congratulate yourself for those you answered well.
• Write a brief note to the interviewer thanking them for their time and summarising the positives you mentioned during the interview - be succinct.
• Keep reviewing the specific examples of "you at your best”, in preparation for any other interview that you may attend.

“Hi Sharon, I thought you might like to know, I had an interview with the women at Contact Energy, I did not get the Team Leader role but she was impressed enough to offer me a choice of role that were coming up... Your CV worked, many thanks."
Vicki Emery