Unlike a job interview, being interviewed as a potential housemate follows no specific pattern. It can seem a very nerve-racking experience to go through – not knowing what questions to expect or how you should respond, and not having any information about the other person whom you’re meeting.

However, you can be prepared in some ways to secure a better chance of being selected from the list of potential house shares.

First – Create a Good Impression
Quite obvious but sometimes neglected. Approach it like a job interview. Your appearance gives people a first impression of you, even before you’ve had a chance to talk to them. Make a good lasting impression on your first meeting. It’d probably give you better chances over other potential housemates.

Some of the things you should take care of:

1. Dress: Dress appropriately. Leave your party wear at the club. Usually a casual business outfit should be good enough.
2. Be on time: When you’re on time, it gives both of you more time to get to know more about your needs and expectations. Moreover, the interviewer may have multiple interviews scheduled and you being late may not only leaves a bad impression but can also lead to lead to cancellation. If for some unavoidable reason you’re going to be late, let the person know and if possible reschedule.
3. Manners and Etiquette: Smile! Be pleasant. Offer a handshake and greet. Make eye contact and listen well. We take most of these things for granted but can influence the way a person perceives you.

Second – Be Natural
As much as we advocate good manners, being polite, and observing your etiquette, take care that it does not appear superficial. People can be very perceptive. If you go all out to try and please, it may ring warning bells.

Be natural in your approach. It is not a job interview and it may not be very formal conversation, but let your personality come through. The interview is a process to evaluate you as a potential housemate where you’d be in close proximity with each other. If the interview does not serve this purpose, your chances of getting selected will be less.

Third – Interview Your Interviewer
Take this opportunity to learn more about your interviewer and the house or flat on offer. You would also need to evaluate for yourself if the arrangement is going to work for you. Clear all your doubts. Discuss basic issues like rental agreement, living quarters, house rules, schedules, sharing space, and amenities, etc.

Some of the questions you could ask are:

• How much rent deposit do I have to pay and how is it protected?
• How much cleaning or household chores would I be required to do?
• Will you allow overnight guests?
• Will the kitchen and bathroom be shared or are they a separate?

Remember to ask details of what you considered to be important to you!

Fourth – Be Clear in Your Communication
Whether it’s communicating your needs, doubts or expectations, be very clear in your communication. Try not to leave things open to assumptions. If you ensure that you have clear and transparent communication right from the start, it sets ground for the way you communicate in the future.

Avoid using ambiguous sounding words and phrases as it leaves communication open to interpretation. For example, if you are asked, “Do you entertain guests often?” answering just a quick “yes” may lead the interviewer to assume that you bring in guests every other day. A more specific answer like – I might have guests about once a month, mostly for a day or two – would give a clearer picture. Again, if you need to ask questions to the interviewer, be clear on your expectations as well.

Follow these four guidelines and be prepared to face house share interviews better. Don’t feel disheartened if you have not been selected. It was probably just a case of your needs and expectations not matching theirs; not a reflection on your personality. Continue your search, refine your approach, and you’ll surely find the “perfect” housemates.

About the Author:
Tim Saunders is a writer for the UK’s only review & resource guide for house & flatshares on the web. To find out more, visit HouseFlatshareReviews

Get organized and create a better impact!

What should you consider a good reference
It’s easy to use friends and family to get good references and the person interviewing you is well aware of this. Also many landlords tend to be very sceptical of written references no matter how well done they are, unless they have a way to verify its authenticity, e.g. providing a contact number of your reference. Some landlords also resort to professional verification agencies like TenantVERIFY® or RentChecks.com. Bear in mind, you can also approach these agencies for a professionally verified reference certificate.

You can request a reference letter from your current flatmate or landlord, your friends and family, your employer or professor. Ask them also to include how and where they can be contacted to verify the contents of the reference letter. This will position you well in the eyes of your prospective landlord or flatmate.
Basic information you should not miss out on
Treat your reference check like a portfolio. Include a cover page that details information about you and include the reference letters in subsequent pages.
Remember to include the following information:

1. Your Full Name – First name/Middle Initial/Last Name
2. Contact Information – Phone number (mobile/residential/office); email address; postal address
3. Age or Date of Birth
4. Occupation – Profession/Practice e.g. Software Engineer
5. Nationality
6. Current Employer/University (if student) – Company Name and Address/University name and address
7. Salary or Bank Statement or other sources for proof of meeting your financial obligations. If you’re not comfortable sharing your salary, give an indication or a range. Or, you can submit this only on request.
8. Current Address – complete with postcode and landlord’s or current flatmate’s phone number
9. Previous Address(es) if current tenancy at current address is less than 2 years. Information about addresses should include complete street address with post code and duration of tenancy at the address.
10. References

• Current & Previous Landlords/Flatmates
• Professional Reference – Co-worker/Boss (For students can produce proof of enrolment at university)
• Personal references – friends/family/local acquaintances. Include a reference letter. For each reference, remember to include full name, address, relation, and how they can be contacted. Preferably provide a phone number where they can be contacted. Talk to them first and let them know that you’ve given their names as your references.

If any information you’ve provided does not match the account as given by your reference, it could project you in a poor light. Remember to recheck the information you’ve given and also be truthful in what you say during your conversation with the interviewer.

About the Author:
Tim Saunders is a writer for the UK’s only review & resource guide for house & flatshares on the web. To find out more, visit House Flatshare Reviews.