INTERVIEW PREPARATION:

Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview:

Know the exact place and time of the interview, the employer’s full name and correct pronunciation and the employer’s job title.Ask your consultant for further information.

Create a good first impression. It will give you more confidence to look and feel smart and business-like. Remember to smile and maintain regular eye contact.

Plan your route in advance and allow time for bus,train or traffic problems. If you are running late – contact your consultant or interviewer direct to advise them when you expect to arrive.

Do some research on the company. Visit their website, find out as much as possible about its products or services.

Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview. Remember that an interview is a “two way street”. will try to find out if you have the qualifications, experience and personality necessary to do the job.

SOME PROBING QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK:

• How do you invest in people and career development?
• How has the business changed over the last year?
• What new products or services are in the pipeline for the future?

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED:

• Why did you choose to apply for this particular vacancy?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• What do you know about our company?
• What qualifications do you have that make you feel that you will be successful in your field?
• What do you think determines a person’s progress in a good company?
• What contributions to profits have you made in your present or former position to justify your salary level there?
• Do you have any skills that you need to develop further?
• Do you have any hobbies or interests outside work?
• What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why?
• What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?

INTERVIEW – DO’S & DON’TS:

You are being interviewed because the employer wants to hire someone – not to trip you up or embarrass you. The employer will be evaluating your strong and weak points – your qualifications, skills, intellectual qualities, attitude, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

DO plan to arrive ontime or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

DO greet the employer by their name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you aren’t sure ask them to repeat their name.

DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair. Look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile.

DO look an employer in the eye while you talk to them.

DO follow the employer’s leads, but try to get them to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and achievements to the position.

DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of offers rather than only one.

DO make sure that your good points come across to the employer in a factual, logical and sincere manner. Stress achievements e.g. – sales record, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed and so on.

If the employer presents you with an application form to complete, DO fill it out neatly and fully. DON’T relax andrely on your application or C.V. to do the selling for you. Employers will want you to speak for yourself.

DON’T answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. Explain wherever possible.

DON’T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as “to the point” as possible.

DON’T ever make derogatory comments about your present or former employers or companies.

DON’T over-answer questions. The employer may steer the conversation into politics or economics.Since this is a ticklish situation it is best to answer the question honestly,trying not to say any more than is necessary.

ENDING THE INTERVIEW:

If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected don’t let your discouragement show. Once in a while an employer who is genuinely interested may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.

Try to leave the interview on a positive note.Thank the interviewer for his or her time and tell them how much you’ve enjoyed the experience.

Call your consultant immediately after each interview and tell them what happened. They will want to talk with you before the employer calls them back.