Interview tips
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences but are full of opportunity. If you are well prepared and confident you'll make a positive impression and become one step closer to obtaining your goal.
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail"
Interview Preparation:
- Organise your day. Know the exact location, transport details/parking, time of interview and the interviewers name and title.
- Research and understand the company, visit their website and have suitable questions prepared.
- Review your CV before the interview. Ensure that you can talk in further detail about the points laid out in your CV and try to think about your experience in light of the job you are applying for.
- Assemble any relevant documentation and qualifications beforehand.
- Dress in a suit or smart professional outfit, even if you know that the company policy is smart/casual as it demonstrates that you have made an effort and gives a professional first impression.
- Arrive on time, without extra baggage and remember to turn off your mobile phone.
Interview Techniques:
- Greet the interviewer with a confident, firm handshake and a smile. Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s), uphold a good attentive posture, try not to over gesticulate.
- Do not talk over the interviewer; listen to the end of the question or statement carefully.
- An interview is a two way process and as such you should be prepared to ask some questions. An interviewer will examine your level of interest for the position.
- Maintain positive throughout and go over your strengths.
- Avoid making derogatory remarks about previous employers.
- Do not ask about the salary and benefits in the initial interview. If raised by the interviewer, give a salary range to enable negotiation at a future point in time.
- At the end of the interview make sure that the interviewer knows that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company.
- Leave with a confident, firm handshake and thank the interviewer(s) for their time.
After the interview:
- Follow up the interview the next day with an email or a telephone call to thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity.
- Reiterate your level of interest and establish what the procedure is regarding the next phase.
- Add any points not covered or highlight some of the most important points from the interview.
