|
Invitation
to Interview
- Once you are invited for interview,
ensure you understand the requirement of the position
and how your skills will match, or can be adapted,
to the job description.
- Confirm the date and time,
location and interviewer's name.
- If possible obtain a job description
prior to your interview date.
Preparation
- Try to find out as much about
the company, your Recruitment Specialist will help,
but it shows initiative to do your own research.
- What size is the company?
- How many people are employed?
- What are the products/services?
- Who are the company's competitors?
- Think about questions you
may be asked:
- Your skills against job requirement.
- Any gaps or areas that need clarifying in your CV.
- Who are/were you responsible to in present/last job.
- Who are/were you responsible for in present/last job, if any.
- Think about achievements in the workplace.
- Think about difficult situations and how you handled them.
- Why do you want to change your job?
- Why are you interested in the position applied for?
- In your opinion, what are your strengths and weaknesses.
- Think about examples of coping under pressure
- Prepare questions to ask the
interviewer about the position:
- Indicate you have used initiative and have done some research.
- Who will you report to?
- Who/how many/what will you be responsible for?
- Is it a new position?
- What creates pressure/pressure times?
- Particular skills required?
- Is there any induction/training programme?
- Equipment used?
- Hours - is there a requirement to be flexible?
- Lastly, ask about salary, holidays, benefits etc
and what is the next stage in the recruitment process.
The Interview Day
- Remember the first 20 seconds
make the immediate impression, not only to the interviewer,
but the company team, ie. receptionist etc.
- Feel comfortable about yourself
- do not overdo the perfume or aftershave!
- Allow plenty of time for travel
- check parking, timetables etc in advance.
- Take pen, paper, CV and questions.
- Mentally map the interview
in your mind.
- Turn off your mobile phone.
- Stand up when greeted and
only sit when asked.
- Smile!
- Ensure eye contact with your
interviewer(s).
- Give a good, firm handshake.
The Interview
- Sit in a relaxed manner
- Listen to the questions
- Do not talk down about past/present
employers
- Be honest, but brief
- Do not answer questions 'yes'
or 'no'
- Think about your mental map
of answers
- Concentrate on positive words:
like to do, enthusiastic, enjoy
- If necessary, ask for clarification
of question
- Sell yourself and skills relevant
to job
- Do not talk too fast
- Show an interest in the job
- When the time is right - ask
your questions
On Leaving the Interview
- Stand
- Smile
- Offer a good, firm handshake
(not crunch!)
- Thank interviewer for time
- Ensure you say goodbye
to receptionist/secretary
If Offered a Second Interview Before Leaving Interview
- Find out when
- Date and time
- With whom
If Offered
the Position on the Spot
- You may need to think about
it
- You may wish to accept
- When receive offer letter/contract
|
