- Before The Interview
- At The Interview
Preparation
Job interviews don't have to feel like a blind date. Take control of the process. View an interview as a sales call; know the needs and goals of the company. Preparation, anticipation and confidence are the key skills to a successful interview. It's a known fact that an interviewer will have decided whether or not they are going to give you the job within a few minutes. Remember prepare-practice-perform. So be prepared!
Do
- Get as much information as possible on the company - read all the latest news about the company, check out the web site and try to speak with someone who has worked there.
- Prepare answers to a range of job and skill-based questions that you can use.
- Put yourself in the interviews seat! Try to think of questions that you might pose relating to your particular job.
- Arm yourself with a few questions for the interviewer showing that you have done your homework about the organisation and its business.
- Check the format of the interview - it could throw you off if you're presented with a test of some sort that you were not expecting.
- Dress-wise - Keep it simple and respectable. Dress for success!
Don't
- Leave yourself short for time - always expect the unexpected.
At the interview
Do
- Be punctual, there's nothing worse than arriving late and in a fluster.
- A good firm handshake and good eye contact are very important.
- Let the interviewer lead the interview - Listen for the concerns behind the interviewer's questions.
- Be positive - Try not to sound like you're bragging but describe your skills in a factual way.
- Look as though you are interested in what the interviewer is saying to you, answer questions as fully as you can.
- If there is a situation where a panel are interviewing you, direct your answers to all members. It is important not to ignore anyone.
- Your attitude strongly contributes to the interviewers opinion of you, so have the right one!!
- Know what your interviewer is looking for.
- Be flexible - consider reasonable offers and give it your best shot. Don't give up, the search may not be a short one but don't give up.
Don't
- Criticise yourself or past employers.
- Interrupt the interviewer.
- Answer the question with another question.
- Appear giddy or nervous by fidgeting.
- Ask lots of questions about salary and benefits.
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