Interviews can be daunting, but if you're properly prepared it'll ease the stress

1 Be prepared
Do your homework. Check out your prospective employer’s website for current news on products and services and any present business issues they might be facing. Read related trade press and research the history of the business online. Rehearse answers to difficult questions and take advantage of any opportunities to speak to existing staff. Ask in advance what form the interview will take, for example, will you be doing tests?

2 Recruitment consultants can help
If the employer is using a recruitment consultant to manage the vacancy, use any briefings or other advice they provide to candidates, and ask for further clarification if necessary.

3 Don’t be late
Make sure you know where you are going and allow plenty of time for the journey and potential delays, but try not to arrive more than 10 minutes early, otherwise the interviewer will feel under pressure. Have your interviewer’s telephone number handy in case of problems.

4 Dress for success
First impressions count at interviews, so always dress professionally, even if the work environment you are visiting is casual. Wear a skirted suit in a conservative colour with coordinated top and low heels. Keep jewellery to a minimum and make sure underwear is kept covered – that includes high-rise thongs. Make-up should be neutral and perfume light. Wear your hair away from your face if it is long.

5 No iPod or cappucino
If you need to take papers to the interview, put them in a professional-looking case, not a carrier bag or an overstuffed handbag. Do not take your mobile telephone, iPod or Starbucks leftovers into the interview.

6 Be polite
Practice a strong handshake and plan how you will greet your interviewer. Be polite to all those you meet, including any staff encountered on tours. Do not accept offers of hot drinks as these can get in the way or even knocked over – take a bottle of water with you.

7 Remember your body language
Try not to adopt a defensive body position by keeping your arms uncrossed and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer. Do not fidget with your hair or nails and allow time for a question to sink in before answering with a smile.

8 Sell yourself
Employers are looking for applicants who will grow with their business – think about your achievements and successes, and how these might contribute to the organisation, and work them into your responses.

9 Ask questions
Interviews should be a two-way process, so ask two or three questions about the job and how it fits with the business at the end. Keep any discussion of salary and benefits until the second interview, or once a job offer is made.

10 What happens next?
Make sure you ask what happens next at the end of the interview. Let the interviewer know if the interview has fired your interest in the post.

11 Review the experience
Write notes when you get home, reviewing your performance – did you struggle with any questions, and did you manage to convey sufficient information on your skills and attributes?
Don’t wait to hear about one job before looking for others – keep applying for posts and attending interviews. A multi-track approach is best, and stops you getting obsessed with waiting for post-interview news.

12 ‘Sorry, you’ve not been successful this time’
Statistically, you are more likely to be rejected than get a job offer after an interview, so learn from each experience. Ask for feedback from the employer or recruitment consultant, and use this to prepare for the next interview.

COMMENTS

The Therapist

2009 11 22

Very informative post, thanks for sharing it with us…
The Therapist

Grand Canyon helicopter tours

2009 12 17

you’ve been contacted for an interview at a company. The interview is face to face and takes about 2 hours. You’re going to meet with the director, the recruiting staff, and get a tour of the place. About how many candidates can you assume they’ve already interviewed or are going to interview?
Grand Canyon helicopter tours

engagement rings

2010 05 03

While high-quality jewelery is made with gemstones and precious metals, such as silver or gold, there is also a growing demand for art jewelery where design and creativity is prized above material value. engagement rings

Facebook Layouts

2010 07 12

Hi..
I am looking for a job..These tips are very useful for me..Thanks for sharing this informative post..

Facebook Layouts

square peg web

2010 07 23

Hi,
Nice tips.I am very much fear to attend the interview because no one give idea about how to attend interview.Thanks for your valuable suggestions.

square peg web

Stock Exchange Updates

2010 08 25

Even those who already know how to day trade are sometimes lacking in a complete trading education that would have provided them with the specific advantages and disadvantages of these various types of bars.
Stock Exchange Updates

ADD YOUR COMMENT

*Name:

Company name:

*Email:

Comment:

Remember my personal information
Notify me of follow-up comments?

Please enter the word you see in the image below: