handy tips for interviews
Preparation before an interview and your performance during it are critical to your success. These tips will improve your technique.
knowledge is power
- It is vital you research the organisation you are being interviewed by.
- Be familiar with their Mission, Vision and Values, what they do, where their offices are located, who their competitors are.
- Look up their website, contact industry associations and professional bodies. The more you know the better you will be able to adapt your answers and any questions you may have in the interview.
preparing for the interview
- Some questions seem to come up in every interview. By planning for these questions you can give a concise, accurate and well thought out answer that will really impress your interviewer. Some commonly asked questions are;
- Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. This is your chance to find out additional information about the company and the job.
• What job would you like if you had a completely free choice?
• Why are you seeking a position with our company?
• What interests you most/least about this job?
• What are you looking for in your next job?
• Why do you want to be a ...
• What salary are you looking for? (Make sure you have researched this)
• How do you cope with pressure? Can you give an example?
• What are your greatest achievements to date?
• Where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
• Have you come across a situation like this? How did you handle it?
• What was the outcome?
• Describe a situation where you have had to...
• How would you describe yourself?
on the day
- Take along a detailed note of the interview address, whether there's parking or it's close to public transport, who will be conducting the interview, and his or her title.
- Plan to be at the interview 10 minutes early.
- Smartness and first impressions count. Be presentable, and keep jewellery to a minimum. Remember, some employers even ask their front desk receptionist for their opinion of interview candidates.
during the interview
- Greet your interviewer with a firm hand shake - make eye contact. Smile!
- Take a seat when invited to do so.
- Listen carefully.
- Keep your answers relevant and to the point - don't waffle.
- Ask for clarification if you are unsure of a question.
- Show enthusiasm and interest in the role and company.
- Remember the interview is as much about them assessing you as it is about you assessing them, so ask plenty of questions.
- And lastly... SMILE!