Interview Tips

Preparation prior to interview

Organise your clothes for the interview in advance. Remember to dress formally (a suit for both
men and women is the norm) and to match your clothing to the image and culture of the
company. Little details such as a good haircut, no missing buttons or hanging threads may seem
minor but they are vital in creating that first impression.
Assemble the relevant documentation and information beforehand (qualifications, portfolio etc.)
Research the company thoroughly using the internet, published material and personal contacts, so
that you are able to as !intelligent! questions.
"nterviewers usually as questions about practical e#amples of past behaviour which help
demonstrate your competencies. $his is nown as %ehavioural "nterviewing and most companies
use this technique. &ou must be prepared to share e#amples of achievements, failures or past
behaviours and tal about them in some detail. 'ollow the ($AR concept by ensuring you describe
the Situation, the Tass you undertoo, the Action you too and the Results or outcomes of your
action.
$hin through your strengths and weanesses and be careful when describing incidents in which
these attributes were very evident, in order to present your actions in a positive way.
2. The Initial Stages of the Interview
%e on time. $his means not only don)t be late but don)t be too early * arriving ten minutes prior
to the scheduled interview time is plenty.
%e pleasant and courteous to the receptionist or secretary. Often this is the person who will veto
your appointment if they don)t thin your style !fits!
+on)t arrive with baggage. "f you wal in carrying unnecessary items, you will give the wrong first
impression.
&ou only get one chance to mae a first impression. ,ae it a good one. (mile, mae eye contact
and use a firm handshae.
"f you are sure of the pronunciation, greet the interviewer by his-her surname.
"nterviewers frequently use !small tal! to brea the ice. 'ollow the interviewer)s lead, but don)t
initiate a lot of small tal yourself, as this could mae you loo too familiar or too rela#ed.
3. The Interview Structure
.o two styles of interviewing are the same.
"nterviewers value warmth, honesty, energy, clear communication, brevity, rapport and
enthusiasm. Also it is vital to loo into the interviewer)s eyes.
/sually the interviewer gets information from you and then tells you about the position. 0owever,
the order of the interview will depend on the interviewer themselves. 1o with the flow.
4. Nervousness during an interview
"t is completely normal to be an#ious during an interview. $his energy is positive and used
properly will help you give a high energy performance. "f, however, you feel your body language
is conveying an#iety, it is usually best to mention it. (2.g. !" haven)t had an interview before and "
am a little nervous!)
Finishing the interview
3repare pertinent questions to as towards the end of the interview. Remember you must learn as
much as you can about the 4ob in order to determine if it is suitable for you. (ome good questions
might include5
What sort of work will I be doing?
What are the key responsibilities and would you want me to achieve in the next year?
What are the reporting relationships?
What resources are available to the position?
How will my performance be measured?
What is the next step?
What long term career opportunities are available?
+o as (if you haven)t been told) what the process will be after the interview has been completed.
1ive the interviewer a couple of positive statements which lin your competencies and e#perience
into those sought for the 4ob. +o not be afraid to reiterate your strengths * as they relate to the
role. %e careful to be brief6
"f you are genuinely interested in the role, say so.
Leave the interviewer with a good impression * smile and shae hands firmly. +o not mae the
mistae of being overconfident or too rela#ed at the end of the interview.
. Follow up
"mmediately after the interview contact your consultant, indicating your interest in 4oining the
organi7ation, raise any questions you may have and as for when feedbac will be provided.
"f you have been ased to send further information do so quicly and efficiently.
!. "o##on Traps
%eing too friendly or too casual.
.ot listening to questions carefully and therefore giving inappropriate answers.
(aying !we! instead of !"!. .ot referring to your own actions or achievements is very irritating.
,aing very general statements which lac substance
%eing over enthusiastic
%eing poorly prepared.
(louching, mumbling, speaing slowly and not having eye contact with the interviewer.
8nowing nothing about the company to whom you are applying.
,aing derogatory remars.
$. %elpful %ints
.ot all the positions you apply for are right for you. $he purpose of the interview is to help you
sort out if the !fit! is right in both a 4ob and cultural sense. &ou must as questions which will give
you information pertinent to your decision maing. $he last thing you want on your resume is a
short stint in a 4ob to e#plain to your ne#t employer.
Remain positive. .o matter how you felt the interview went. $his might not be the right 4ob for
you, but they might have another one coming up.
9ualify your referees. 'irst, tell them you have given their name so they are prepared for a call.
(econdly as them what they believe to be your weanesses.
&. The #ost co##onl' as(ed interview )uestions however there are #an'* #an' #ore+ ,
Tell me about yourself
What kind of position are you looking for? Why do you want to work in this industry/company?
ive me an example of the most difficult problem you encountered in the course of your career!
How did you resolve it?
What is the toughest deadline you have had to meet?
Tell us about the most difficult team you have been a part of! What was your role in creating
harmony in the team?
How do you plan your work?
What do you consider to be your strengths? Weaknesses?
What position do you hope to reach in five years?
Tell me about your hobbies/interests?
:e understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to find the right role. 3reparing yourself well and
presenting yourself optimally at interview are sills you will need all your woring life. Once learned, you
will only refine and improve them over time6