We spend about a third of our waking time working, so
it’s important to get a job where employer and
candidate are ‘well matched’. This is no
easy task when you consider that both parties have to
make up their minds in a very short time. The key to
success at interview is preparation.
| Selection – Is it the job
for me? |
- Analyse your skills,
competencies, qualifications and experience – do
they match the employer’s expectations?
- Decide
what your short-term and long-term career objectives
are – does
the vacancy fit in with your plan?
- Research the job – contact the
company for further information, or ask friends and colleagues who may
have contacts within the company.
- Research the company – request
company literature, investigate the company’s website. This will
demonstrate initiative and interest to an employer.
|
| What Employers expect from you |
- Companies
exist to make money – they will expect
you to be productive ie make them more money
or save
them money.
- To share the same goals
- Good attendance and reliability
- Professional
appearance
- Motivation
- Good communication skills.
|
| Before the Interview |
- Employers
are looking for a candidate who wants their job
not any old job.
You need to give specific answers to questions
such as “Why did you apply for this job?”
- Think
about the job on offer – what is the employer
looking for?– write
these points down and think of some questions that you can ask the employer,
if requested.
- How can you contribute to the company and convince
the employer that your skills and experience are
the best
for the job?
- Write down some questions that
you may be asked and think how you can answer
them in a positive way
- Are there any gaps in your
CV and can you explain them in a positive way?
- Ask
a friend to participate in interview role-play – this
will help you to prepare for the interview on
the day.
- Read your CV and covering letter – you
are likely to be asked questions at interview.
- Make sure that you know what the interview format
will be.
- Get directions to the company and find
out how long it will take to travel there - add
some extra time in case of unexpected delays.
|
| On the Day |
- Make your first impression count
in the right way – pay particular attention
to hygiene and grooming.
- Dress smartly – it
is safer to err towards the more traditional.
- Give
yourself time to arrive promptly.
- Take written
directions and contact telephone number with
you so that you can contact the
interviewer if you are held up.
- Carry copies
of your CV, portfolio (if appropriate) a notepad
and a pen.
- Check the names of the interviewer(s)
and use their surname(s).
|
| At the Interview |
- Use appropriate body language
throughout the interview (it is useful to read
up on this before the interview).
- Let the interviewer
initiate the handshake. Respond with a firm handshake,
make
eye contact, smile and introduce yourself by name.
- Wait for the interviewer
to initiate the seating arrangements and initial
conversation.
- Listen to the interviewer throughout the interview
and respond to the questions asked.
- Think carefully
about each question asked and give a considered
response which is to the point.
- Show interest
by the use of eye contact, mirroring the interviewer’s
body language and maintain a positive body posture.
|
| Don’t |
- Be too familiar
with the interviewer, ie don’t use first
names unless invited.
- Provide the interviewer with
information that hasn’t been asked
for.
- Discuss sensitive issues such as
religion, age or equal rights.
- Ask about holidays, salary
or benefits.
- Show nervousness or boredom.
- Don’t ‘speak
over’ the interviewer or monopolise the
interview.
- Criticise previous employers.
|
| Do |
- Ask positive
questions that show an interest in the company/job.
- Keep the questions brief and relevant.
- Ask how
the job contributes to the success of the company.
- Enquire what the next step will be.
- End the interview
on a positive note and state that you are looking
forward to hearing from them.
|
