Making conversation when you meet people for the first time, such as when you are meeting an interviewer, can sometimes be hard.

Here are some definitions and simple steps that can make it easier for you to get a conversation started.

Small Talk 

Conversation in group situations, such as an assessment centre day, can sometimes be nerve-wracking. However, preparing some simple topic ideas and even practicing them with friends or family can help you prepare. Conversation is a bit like a tennis match; you receive the ball, swing at it, send it back over the net in the hope that the other person will receive the ball, swing at it and send it back to you!

Watch the video below for some ideas on how to have an engaging pre-interview conversation with the interviewer.

Now decide whether the following questions are true or false.

Mingling

It can be tempting to stay with one person that you know when you’re at a group meeting like an assessment centre. However, mingling, or moving around the room to talk to different people is the best way to practice your conversation skills. 

Icebreakers and topics for conversation

An Icebreaker is a way of describing the first part of a conversation.  If you are waiting for an interview in a group of people you could try asking:

• Do you live locally?
• Have you always lived in this area? 
• What’s the best place you’ve been to on holiday?
• Where did you go to school?
• What sort of music do you like?

Top tip: When you go to an interview, make sure to be polite and make the effort to speak to everyone you meet; from the receptionist to the CEO!

Anyone that meets you may be asked to give an opinion and so making a good first impression with everyone will be a good plan.