During the Interview

First impressions are important and non-verbal communication such as eye contact, the sound of your voice and how you act can say a lot about you.

Interviewers will understand if you are nervous, but using confident body language will make you appear more relaxed and in control.

The Prospects website has more information on how to prepare for an interview. See also the targetjobs article eight steps to graduate interview success and Guardian Careers how to take the stress out of job interviews.

For advice on what to wear at an interview, see AllAboutCareers and targetjobs: Dress for success at your graduate job interviews. 

After the Interview

Once the interview is over, it’s a good idea to reflect on your performance.

Make some notes on the questions you were asked, those you thought you answered particularly well or those you could have answered better.

You may receive a job offer. Initially it could be by telephone, but you will always receive a written copy which you must formally accept or reject. For more information see our Handling Job Offers section.

If you have not been successful this time, it might be a good idea to ask the employer for feedback as this will help you in your future interview preparation. targetjobs has useful information about requesting feedback.

If you are getting first interviews but not being offered second interviews or job offers, then you may want to discuss your interview technique with a careers consultant.