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The selection interview is the most important aspect of the overall employment process.
You have only one chance at each interview.
You can take full advantage of that chance if you are prepared.
Today's companies have high expectations and it is important that you perform to your potential
during the interview.
The following information will provide valuable details on how to conduct yourself during
interviews with prospective employers.
Preparation Before the Interview:
Careful and thoughtful preparation is essential before you attend any interview. A lack of
preparation will become very obvious to the interviewer and will significantly decrease
your chances of success.
It is important that you:
- Find out what you can about the company.
- Give prior thought to what you will wear. Presentation is extremely important and
will be closely assessed by the interviewer. Appropriate dress will help you to sell
yourself effectively and generally create a good impression. You will need to pay
considerable attention to all aspects of your dress and grooming. Avoid wearing
excessive jewellery, bracelets, sunglasses, etc.
- When making an appointment for an interview find out the exact location at which
the interview is to be conducted and the name and title of the interviewer. If the
location is unfamiliar, make sure that you arrive in good time to find the
interviewer's office.
- Be prepared to answer questions on the following topics:
- All aspects of previous duties and previous employment history.
- The reasons for leaving previous positions.
- What you have enjoyed and disliked about previous positions.
- Ambitions, both short and long term.
- How you spend your spare time - your hobbies and interests.
- Why you chose this particular job/occupation and why are you suited to it.
- Why you want to work for this company.
- Referees.
- Educational background.
- Whether you worked alone or as a member of a team.
- Your knowledge of the company; its products etc.
- Your thoughts on overtime, long hours.
In general you need to prepare your approach to suit the particular job and company.
Be prepared with real life examples which can substantiate any claims you make during the
interview.
Some do's:
- Arrive on time.
- Offer a firm handshake.
- Address the person by name and look interested.
- Wait until you are offered a chair then sit upright in the chair (directly facing the interviewer).
- Project confidence, relax and smile.
- Listen carefully to what the interviewer says. Do not interrupt him/her.
- Maintain direct eye contact (extremely important). Do not spend your time gazing around the room.
- Find out the position details so that you can relate your background successes specifically to that position.
- Elaborate on answers to questions. Remember you need to sell but not oversell yourself.
- Tell the truth and be totally frank.
- Ask for clarification if you have difficulty understanding a point or a question.
- Maintain continued interest.
- Ask questions about the organisation and the position.
- Conduct yourself in a manner which indicates that you are keen to secure that position.
- Make sure you ask the interviewer to indicate the likely success of your application.
- Ensure that you understand the next step in the selection process before leaving the interview.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity provided to discuss your credentials.
- End the interview with a firm handshake and a smile.
Some dont's:
- Do not be long winded.
- Do not criticise or make bad remarks about previous employers.
- Do not ask questions about salary and conditions until invited to discuss this area, usually later in the interview.
After the Interview:
If you come out of the interview knowing that you did everything possible to promote yourself in a
realistic and favourable manner, you will feel a sense of achievement and well being. You will have
tried to promote yourself to the best of your ability and no one can ask nor expect more.
Hopefully your application will be successful. If not, learn from the experience. Re-examine your
preparation, your performance during the interview and other relevant factors mentioned above and
finally, where possible, find out from the interviewer the reason why you were not selected.
Above all, do not be discouraged.
Treat each interview as a separate exercise.
Success will come.
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