The interview is where the interviewer and you are trying to find out more about each other – the interviewer is attempting to determine if you have what the company needs, while you are attempting to determine if you’d actually like to work there should you get the job.

"YOU’VE prepared and you’ve practiced but it’s easy to get tongue-tied when you’re nervous."

But things can get disastrous if you flub the lines that took you what seemed like eons to memorise. And what should you say if something unexpected gets asked?

Here are a few tips on how to make it through an interview:

• There’s a line from an old song that goes: “Is your tongue a little weak? When you open it to speak, are you smart?” Remember to always think before you answer – don’t put your foot in your mouth.
  
• Give brief, clear and straight answers. Convoluted sentences and beating about the bush shows you’re either very poor at conveying your ideas or you just can’t take the pressure.
  
  
• Remember to ask pertinent questions. Don’t ask about the perks of the position, the pantry, or coffee breaks. It’ll make you sound shallow and lazy.
  
  
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t stare vacantly or go “Um ...”
  
  
• It is generally the norm to not bring up the expected salary, benefits or working hours, and God forbid, you mention at the beginning of the interview. Wait until the interviewer asks you or if you really need to find out more because of a personal situation, for example, then bring it up towards the end and be tactful about it.
  
  
• If you had rough start to the day or even the day before, don’t let your depression show.
  
  
• And if you hear something discouraging throughout the interview, don’t let your disappointment show either.
  
  
• It’s nice to look good and come across as what the company may need but it’ll do you no good to lie – it’ll come back to haunt you.
  
  
• Ask questions, but not to many.
  
  
• Don’t promote your blog. In fact, if you have one, you should check it for anything that might incriminate or work against you. Some employers actually run a credit and rep check before they hire someone.
  

  

• Be ready to talk about yourself and what else you do outside working hours. Some interviewers will ask you to tell them more about yourself.
  
• If you’re asked whether or not you’ve had a conflict with your previous employer or colleagues, don’t fib but don’t say negative things about them either.