Interviews - some thoughts after school

The other day I spent a few hours at my wife's secondary school helping the final year students practice their interview techniques. In the gym hall, behind scattered small exam desks, you know the ones 500mm x 500mm, wooden, a bit wobbly, sat various individuals willing to also give up their time and come into the school to assist in the process. In came the pupils, sitting at the vacant chairs, each in turn then put through the outlined process that 'us' outsiders were asked to complete.

All-in-all I found the exercise useful, from my perspective, and, hopefully, the pupils gained some insights. I may not be the 'best' kind of person to instruct anyone in getting the most out of the education machine (having left school with paltry results, and not even allowed to do Art, down to admin-hell rather than life skills), but having had many interviews - on both sides of the desk I think I know a few things about that, so I will offer, up my key points to 16 year olds everywhere - these were the common issues:

1. Handshake, Hello, wHo - The three Hs first - firm, loud, and clear...
2. Smile - it helps you gain time whilst thinking of an answer
3. Eye contact - go for the bridge, rest momentarily, return. But keep at it.
4. Body - posture in the chair, helps you breath, you look great!
5. Hands - movement, yes: wringing, no!
6. Voice - speak to the face, the desk is not interested.
7. Think - you have time - smile and think before you answer
8. Truth - never lie, just tell the truth beautifully - you never got a medal in sport, but your parents think you are brilliant in helping get your siblings through life, worth a few medals alone..
9. Ambition - show some, 'Dunno' inspires no one. Talk about dreams. We all should.
10. Shine. From when you walk in, and after you have walked out..

Good luck, I think all our kids, no matter how many certificates they gain, need that too.