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Interviews are an important part of the recruitment process. Ample preparation is paramount and there are a large number of books and websites offering advice on how this should be undertaken. To save you time and effort, we have put together some hints and tips on how to approach the interview process.
Things to Remember
Arrive on time
Be prepared on all aspects of the business and role
Look professional
Sit forward, do not slouch
Maintain eye contact
Shake hands firmly
Never talk negatively
Show enthusiasm
Keep a positive attitude
Be confident
Ask questions
In Advance
Research the company
Try to find out as much as possible about the company you are interviewing for. An employer will be impressed when you have taken enough interest to investigate their business. Knowing a few things about an employer will help you decide if the company is right for you, and will make you more of an asset to the employer, should you be hired.
Go over your CV
Know your CV like the back of your hand. If you answer a question based on your CV incorrectly you can lose all credibility with the employer. Make sure you know the dates of employment for your previous employers. Your CV should be as close to perfect as possible. You should read over your CV before the interview so you will be confident answering any questions based on it.
Practice answering interview questions.
Here are a few typical interview questions you may be asked:
Tell me about yourself.
What do you know about our company?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Why are you searching for a new job?
Tell me about your background and accomplishments.
How does your background relate to this position?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How would you describe your most recent job performance?
How have you progressed in your current role?
What are some of your hobbies?
Why do you want this position?
What other jobs are you considering?
Why should we hire you?
On The Day
Be ready to ask questions
This will impress the employer. It lets them know you are interested in the job and want to learn more about the company. Remember that you’re also interviewing the employer. Create a short list of questions based on your earlier research and any concerns you have.
Here are a few questions you may want to ask:
What are some of the things that will be expected of the person in this position?
Are there goals or monthly quotas?
What are some of the responsibilities included with this position?
Why is this position open?
Will this lead to progression opportunities?
Dress for the occasion
The first impression you make on the employer will always be your appearance. Always wear proper business attire to the interview and check your appearance before you meet the interviewer. You only have a few seconds to make a first impression, so make it count.
Know exactly where the interview takes place
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early and never, ever show up even 1 minute late.
Shake hands firmly
Wait to be offered a chair before sitting down. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good communicator. Always look the interviewer in the eye while speaking. Try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can apply your background, skills, and accomplishments to the position. Try to make your good points come across to the interviewer in a sincere, factual manner.
If you are interested in the position let the interviewer know.
Don’t be discouraged if no commitment has been made. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with other people in the company or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision. If you get the impression the interview is not going well do not let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer will seem to discourage you as a way of testing your action.
Always thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.
If you want the job, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Following up the interview with a note or a phone call.
Call or e-mail the interviewer to let them know it was nice to meet them, thank them for their time, and once again remind the employer that you’re still very interested in the opportunity.
Job hunting can be full of uncertainty. But with us, you can be sure that we’ll do everything we can to get you to your ideal job. Send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.