If you have been selected for an interview, you are half way there.
If an employer deems you suitable enough to take up his / her
valuable time, they obviously consider you a real possibility
for the role. If you prepare yourself correctly for the interview,
your chances of succeeding will be greatly improved.
Simple tips are as follows:
Do some research about the company
concerned. Web sites are commonplace these days, although
a trip to the research library can also help. Contact the
company in advance to gain company literature or a brochure.
Ask friends or colleagues if they have any knowledge of the
company and read the trade press. Concern yourself with recent
company developments and look for common ground with your
own experiences.
Ensure that you are familiar
with the interview location prior to the day. It is often
recommended to do the journey on a previous day and try to
organise parking in advance if needed.
It is not acceptable to arrive
for an interview fashionably late. Try to arrive 10 minutes
early and try not to appear rushed when you arrive. Make sure
you know who you are meeting and when. Don't smoke prior to
an interview and ensure mobile phones are switched off.
Try to dress according to the
position, however a good clean suit and tie (for men) is always
acceptable. If you wear a tie, make it a conservative one
(without Mickey Mouse) and ensure shoes are clean and polished
and that you have combed your hair.
Try to ensure you have some
questions prepared for the interviewer. They may concern working
practices or future projects. Interviews should be a two-way
process and it pays to have two or three relevant questions
prepared. Don't try to be too clever though, as you may not
be prepared for the answers!
Ensure you are familiar with
your CV and take one with you. Interviewers may only have
glanced at your CV for a few moments and may require you to
elaborate on certain areas. Make sure you are happy talking
about yourself and that all information on the CV can actually
be substantiated.
When the interviewer(s) asks
questions, listen! Be concise with the answers and always
be clear and relevant - don't waffle and don't tell lies.
Try to be positive and indicate how they can use your experiences.
Be professional, warm and enthusiastic and always focus on
your suitability for the position.
Shake the interviewers' hand
on leaving and thank them for there time. Follow up the interview
with a letter telling them you enjoyed the interview and that
you are looking forward to hearing from them.
Try not to
torment yourself over how well you did, simply relax and wait
for news
