Preparing for a Job Interview

Don't assume...prepare so the interview becomes predictable

Preparing for an interview is essential. We are amazed at the number of candidates that do not prepare for a job interview.

When going for an interview, consider the following:

Before the Interview

· Ensure you know the exact location and time of the interview

· Ensure you know the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and title they hold.

· Ensure you find out specific facts about the company - where its offices are located, what its products and services are, what its growth has been, and what its growth potential is for the future, you can find most of this from their web site, so please look at this first.

Arrive few minutes early 5 – 10 minutes - Arriving late for a job interview is never a good start to an interview as already a negative point of view is formed about you.

Personal Presentation

The nonverbal messages your image sends can work on your behalf, or they can work against you.

Ensure you start each day looking impeccable with a highly professional put-together image, a look that includes businesslike attire that is well coordinated and in mint condition.

Immaculate grooming, from your head to your feet is essential for a successful interview.

At the Interview

When arriving on time to your interview, greet the interviewer by name with correct pronunciation.
Shake hands firmly. A firm hand shake shows a strong personality and is what employers are looking for.
Maintain good eye contact when speaking to the interviewer but do not stare. Good eye contact shows strength of character.
Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times, this reflects energy, enthusiasm and self control.
Be a good listener, this shows respect. Wait until your interview has stopped talking before you start conversing back, this shows you are a good listener.
If you have a personal resume, ensure that the person to whom you release your resume is the person that will be interviewing you or hiring you.
Refresh your memory on the facts and figures you have presented on your resume.
Ensure you know facts about the companies you are presently working for, or your most recent employer. Knowing little about the company you have worked for reflect negative on your ability.
Think of the questions you will ask at the interview and prepare yourself for questions recruiters may ask you.
Volunteer what you can bring to the role.

Concluding the Interview

If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage

If the recruiter offers the position to you and you want it, accept on the spot otherwise ask very courteous and tactfully for time to think about it.
- Give a time frame about giving them an answer.

Top Job Interview Questions

Prepare the questions you will ask as the interviewer will try to determine through your type of questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

Be prepared to answer questions like:

· What kind of job are you looking for?

· Why did you choose your particular vocation?

· What are your qualifications?

· Why would you like to work for our company?

· What do you want to be doing in your career five years from now?

· When was your last salary review?

· What style of management gets the best from you?

· What interests you about our services?

· What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?

· Which job did you enjoy the most and why?

· What have you done that shows initiative in your career?

· What are your major weaknesses and what are your strengths?

· What are your hobbies?

Questions you may ask:

· A detailed description of the position.

· The reason why the position has became available.

· The culture of the company.

· About their induction and training programs.

· What are the company's best selling products or services? (If you haven’t already researched and found what they are)

· What is the next step of the interview process?

You must determine through questioning whether this company will provide opportunities for the growth and development you seek.

Negative Factors to Avoid at a Job Interview

At a job interview an employer evaluates your positive as well as your negative attributes.

Listed below are negative attributes to watch out for that often leading to rejection:

· Poor personal appearance.

· Overbearing, aggressive, conceited "superiority", "know-it-all" attitude.

· Inability to express thoughts clearly.

· Lack of planning for career - no purpose or goals.

· Lack of interest and enthusiasm.

· Lack of confidence - nervousness.

· Over emphasis on money.

· Lack of tact; maturity; courtesy.

· Failure to ask good questions about the job and company.

· Answering questions with a simple "yes" or "no"

· Lying.

· Making derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.

· Swearing (at any level)

Remember, preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview.