Nina: Hi, Silvia, I understand that you are preparing for an interview.

Silvia: Yes, my interview is next week and I'm already really nervous.

Nina: Okay. So, let's start at the beginning. Do you know where the office is?

Silvia: No.

Nina: Well, you need to make sure you know exactly where you're going. I would suggest that you arrive at the office at least ten minutes early so that you can enter the company exactly on time. Take an umbrella in case it rains, and make sure you've got a contact telephone number so that you can call if you get delayed on the way.

Silvia: That's a great idea. I was also going to ask my friend, Jill, to give me a lift and come along for some support on the day. I thought I'd meet up with her to practise my English before the interview as it's going to be [tIe first time I've ever had an interview in English'

Nina: It's a good idea to meet a friend to practise your English before the interview, to get you warmed up if you like, but I wouldn't take anyone into the building itself.

Silvia: Oh. Why not?

Nina: You want to demonstrate your independence, and you'll only do this by arriving on time on your own and appearing relaxed. Another thing you should do is take a copy of your resume and examples of your work with you .

Silvia: But I've already sent them to the company.

Nina: Yes, I know. But there's no reason why you can't take extra copies for yourself, and anyway they might not be able to find yours. Most candidates don't do this. so it'll impress the interviewer and show them that you're well-organised. During the interview it's almost certain that the interviewer will refer to things written on your resume. Having a copy of your own will help you to organise a successful response.

Silvia: What tips have you got on answering Questions?

Nina: Well, obviously there are some questions that you can predict you're going to be asked during the interview. Some Questions always come up, and others you know you'll be asked because of what's on your resume, or simply because of the job you've applied for. You should detinitely spend some time thinking about how you might answer these questions, and learn some impressive words and phrases in English to use at the interview. However, I don't think it's a great idea to memorise long answers. as you'll seem mechanical and unnatural.

Silvia: So you'll think I should practise some expressions in English, but I shouldn't try to memorise complete answers?

Nina: Exactly.

Silvia: And what about what I should wear for the interview? It's for a communications agency in central London.

Nina: Well, I would definitely suggest wearing smart, formal clothes, especially if it's a job dealing with clients or customers. And it's better to tie or comb your hair back.

Silvia: Why's that?

Nina: Making sure your hair isn't covering your eyes demonstrates openness and suggests you have nothing to hide.

Silvia: How interesting. I'd never thought of it like that.

Nina: Oh, one last thing.

Silvia: Yes?

Nina: Do you use any of those social networking sites, like Facebook, for example?

Silvia: Yeah! I use Facebook all the time.

Nina: Employers often check applicants out on sites like these. It's pretty much common practice for big City firms.

Silvia: Really? How scary.

Nina: Exactly. So check your privacy settings so that you can control who has access to your page. And check the content of your site so that whatever information they do see will help you come across as a professional individual and exactly the type of person they'd like to employ.

Silvia: That's a great idea. Thanks, Nina. You've been a real help.