The interview process has its own rules and techniques, which should be mastered to help you secure an exciting new job.
Preparation
- Preparing well beforehand can mean the difference between success and failure.
- Dress smartly and conservatively - a suit is best. Wear a clean, neat and tidy hairstyle and be generally groomed and clean.
- Find out directions well beforehand and leave plenty of time to get to the interview location.
- Check whom you will be reporting to at reception and who will conduct the interview. It is not unusual to be introduced to other staff members during or after the interview.
- Try to establish the structure of the interview in advance.
- Carry out some research into the company. Remind yourself of the job specification and the required skills.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. These should be based on the company, the job, training and career opportunities.
- Prepare your salary requirements for the relevant position. A good starting point is to have a minimum salary that you could accept for the position, a 'realistic' salary requirement and finally your 'ideal' salary requirement.
- And finally - make sure you know exactly what is written in your cv so that you can talk about it in detail.
The interview
- Try to arrive around 10 to 15 minutes early but not too early as this can be seen as too eager.
- Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and use their correct title and name when introducing yourself.
- Sit up straight, adopt open body language and good eye contact.
- Try to relax and remember that the interviewer wants to know what type of person you are as well as using the interview to assess your ability to do the job.
- Be confident. Remember that you would not have got this far if you didn't have what the company was looking for.
- Don't smoke during the interview even if you are invited to do so.
- Smile and show interest.
- Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or clarify a point made.
- Always answer concisely and avoid getting sidetracked. Always answer honestly.
- When discussing previous or current positions highlight any major achievements and relevant information linking it to the position in question.
- When giving reasons for leaving be truthful but never speak about an employer in a derogatory way. Always be positive.
- Show an interest in the company and show by your comments that you have done some research.
- Where applicable, explore opportunities for progression and discuss future career development.
- See the interview through to the end. Even if the particular position does not suit you there may be others within the organisation that may suit you more.
- Ask questions when invited to do so. This shows that you are interested in the company. Between three and five questions are reasonable to ask.
- Do not bring up the subject of salary unless this information has not already been given to you. However, be prepared to answer salary requirement questions.
- Close the interview positively and thank the interviewer for their time. If you are interested in the job do not be afraid of telling them!
