Job Interview Techniques
An interview is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your qualifications and often your one chance to stand out from other candidates. The following information has been compiled to give you the edge over your competitors.
PREPARATION
Research the Company/Organisation: Research their website; get a feel for who they are and how they operate.
Anticipate your interviewer’s questions: Practice commonly asked questions, and have your answers already prepared
Prepare your own questions for the interviewer: Write down questions you might have about the company or position and ask them when prompted. Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered through accessing the companies website.
Clarify your own interests and career goals: Know why you are right for this job, and be prepared to convince your interviewer(s) of why. Be ready to describe past experiences and show how they can be applied to this particular job.
Take all needed materials with you to the interview: Bring copies of your resume and references with you.
DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
Do not be a “NO SHOW”. If you are not able to make an interview or you are no longer interested in the position, it is your responsibility to give your Consultant enough notice to be able to inform the Client of your decision.
Essentials to remember: Dress appropriately and make sure you are well groomed, remember first impressions count. It is important for you to look like you mean business.
Do not smoke, apply strong perfume/cologne or chew gum before the interview, overpowering smells take the attention from you and create awkward situations. Remember, MODERATION.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the actual interview time.
Before the interview begins, mentally rehearse possible interview questions and scenarios that could be posed during the interview.
The interview:
Everybody suffers from nerves before an interview. It is important to remain calm and confident and most importantly to be prepared. The tips below will help you to make the best impression you can:
Give a firm handshake:
When entering and when leaving the interview, give the interviewer a firm, professional handshake.
Maintain eye contact:
Look at the interviewer when talking or listening. This shows that you are interested in the conversation and have respect for the other person.
Take your time answering questions:
If you are unsure of how to answer a question, take a minute to think about it and formulate the best response. It is better to wait before answering and then answer intelligently.
Remain professional:
Sit with an upright posture, speak and answer questions clearly, listen when the interviewer is speaking, and stay professional regardless of how you feel the interview is going.