Check list before attending the interview
- Do you have a map / directions?
- Have you details about the company and the job? Use the Internet or library to gain additional information on products and financial status.
- Are you certain of the name, position and pronunciation of the person(s) you are meeting?
- Dress appropriately; all kinds of assumptions are made on the appearance people present in the first three minutes.
- Be punctual allowing plenty of time to find the location, park the car etc.
Have you prepared yourself to answer standard interview questions such as;
- Why did you choose a career in ………………?
- Why do you want to (or why did you leave) your current employer?
- What are your strengths / weaknesses?
- What have been your greatest achievements and why?
- What skills can you bring to this role?
- What ambitions do you have for the future?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- What does teamwork mean to you?
Have you prepared a list of questions you may wish to ask the interviewer? Such as;
- What is the company's strategy and business plan
- Can you give me a detailed description of the position
- Why has the position become available
- What is your potential career path within the organisation
- What induction/training is given/available in this role
- Can you describe the culture of the company
At the interview
- Remember to smile.
- Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
- Treat the receptionists and secretaries with courtesy.
- Take the interview seriously your attitude is every bit as important as your qualifications.
- Look the interviewer in the eye. Look and act alert.
- Be enthusiastic and show you are reasonably informed about the organisation and the role.
- Listen when the interviewer is talking but by all means ask intelligent / searching questions.
- Avoid one word answers (especially No).
- Be honest, but also ensure you actively promote your skills and potential.
- Do not over answer questions.
- Stick to the point.
- If you are not sure, or do not understand the question always ask for clarification.
- If you have any doubts about the vacancy or the company you should keep them to yourself during the interview.
- If you do not know the answer to a question, say so.
- As the interview draws to a close ask how you have done. If the interviewer is evasive or negative ask them to clarify their reservations.
- Then respond positively outlining your strengths.
At the end of the interview ask questions such as;
- What is the next stage of the selection process?
- Is there another interview, if so, who will be attending, when will this be arranged, what will be the objective?
- How many people are left to be interviewed?
- How do you compare to the other candidates?
- How will a decision be made and by whom?
Thank the interviewer for his or her time
After the interview
On return - always call or email us with your feedback so we can progress the opportunity with the client.
