Great Careers - Interview Tips

So, congratulations, you have got yourself an interview. In many ways, the hard work is over. Your CV has successfully sold you as a potential new employee. If the company did not think you were suitable for the position, you would not have been invited for an interview. Now they want to find out more about the type of person you are, and whether you will fit in to the company’s working environment. Your success from this stage forward depends on how you present yourself in the interview, and that depends on preparation.

Everyone approaches a job interview with some degree of apprehension. Nerves are perfectly natural; the trick is not to let them weigh you down. The main thing to remember is that the employer has asked to see you because they think you are capable of doing the job. Their time is precious and they will be hoping, just as fervently as you, that you are the perfect solution to the vacancy. At the interview, your main aim is to reinforce the excellent impression made by your CV. You do not want to be stuck for words, so it is important to think about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it and how you are going to act, beforehand

Interviewers are constantly looking for candidates who are aware of current trends. This includes reading online publications, magazines and newspapers that report industry practices.

Do a little homework! Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!

Once you have finished studying, begin role-playing (rehearsing). Use the general questions provided below in the Interview Preparation Area. Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know.

Don’t be late. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview.

Always wear neat and clean clothing. Avoid any dressing that would distract the interviewer such as loud colours, heavy make-up, tight/see through clothing etc.

Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest

In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.

Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general décor, which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.

Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.

Lastly, encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest. Some suggested questions to ask the interviewer are provided in the "Questions You Could Consider Asking the Employer" section

Below are some important questions you may be asked in the interview

1. Tell me about yourself? (try to hold your response to 2 minutes)
2. What do you know about our company?
3. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
4. What do you look for in a job?
5. What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?
6. Why are you looking for a new career?
7. How would you describe yourself?
8. What do you think of your present or past boss?
9. What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment?
10. What were the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
11. How much do you expect if we offer you this position?
12. What other positions are you considering?
13. What are your career goals?
14. What are your strong points?
15. What are your weak points?
16. What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 yrs?
17. What was wrong with your current or last position?
18. Do you have any question for me? (See Questions for the interviewer that you might want to ask below)

Below are some important questions you may be asked in the interview

1. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
2. What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months?
3. What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?
4. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
5. How do you think these could best be handled?
6. What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances, etc?
7. What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
8. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
9. How is one evaluated in this position?

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of knowledge about company or position.
2. Talking too much.
3. Over-inflated ego.
4. Appearing overly confident.
5. Inquiring about compensation too early in the process.
6. Appearing listless and indifferent towards the job.
7. Unkempt appearance.
8. Looking at the walls instead of your interviewer.
9. Appearing indecisive about issues.