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Monday, May 16, 2011

Etiquette in Interview Tips


Interview Tips

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

The job interview
Susie Wilson Image Group

Research

  • Ensure that you have completed a thorough research of the company before you attend your interview. This is easy to achieve and can often be done through a search engine on the internet. This will allow you the opportunity to read information from newspapers, annual reports, etc. The more information you can glean the better, showing the company that you are interested in what they do.

  • Why do I want this job?
    Have a clear understanding of why you are applying for this job. Review in your own mind what your reasons are for wanting this job and what makes you the best candidate for the job. Write down your answers and make sure that if you were the employer, these are the answers you think a prospective employer would want to hear.
  • Prepare yourself
    It is important to understand that whilst this interview is the perfect time for you to “sell yourself” it is also the time to develop a rapport with the interviewer. Remain conscious of this during your interview and question whether there is adequate communication occurring between the two parties, or, is the entire conversation one sided.
  • What should I wear?
    Remember to dress professionally or appropriately for your interview. Through your research you should have gained an idea of what the company dress code and expected attire is. Ensure you present yourself accordingly, and if you are unsure of what to wear, then make it as professional as possible.
The job interview
Susie Wilson Image Group

AT THE INTERVIEW

  • Always be at least 10 minutes early for your interview. Try not to be too early - anything over 30 minutes early is inappropriate.
  • Receptionists, admin staff, secretaries, assistants and other staff in the office will play a very important part in your success in obtaining this role, so don’t overlook their importance. Interviewers will often ask their receptionist or admin assistant for their opinions on a candidate.
  • Don’t forget to shake hands with your interviewers with a firm hand shake.
  • Bring a note pad and pen to the interview. Remember to take down relevant notes of points that are mentioned. However, don’t write too much as it is very important that you maintain eye contact with your prospective employer during the interview.
  • Never interrupt your interviewer when they are speaking. If you have something you wish to add, note it down so that you remember to mention it later.
  • Remember to show enthusiasm for the job and give examples of your experience, understanding and interest in what the role entails. Remember to smile and display confidence. This is not the time to be shy or undersell yourself. However, also remember not to be arrogant.
  • Please don’t assume that the interviewer has a thorough understanding of your capabilities from your resume. Often they have gained merely an overview from the summary contained in the C.V.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Be prepared with answers to the following questions:
  • Why do you want to leave your present job and why did you leave each of your past jobs. It is very important when answering questions about past and present positions that you do not give negative comments about your employer or colleagues as this may reflect badly on you. Be prepared for how you can explain your reasons for leaving in a positive way.
  • Be able to list at least 4 or 5 of your major strengths
  • Be able to list your weaknesses in a truthful way but without highlighting areas that may cause the employer concern
  • Know what job you enjoyed the most and why
  • Know what job you enjoyed the least and why (make sure that the answers to these two questions reflect positively in relation to the position that is being applied for)
  • Understand what your longer term goals are and why this position is in line with these goals.
  • Understand what KPI’s (if any) were required of you in your last positions and be able to demonstrate your understanding and ability to meet these targets.
  • Describe what comments your previous bosses would make about you. What did they think of you?
  • Be able to answer confidently why you are interested in this role, and what makes you the best person for this job?
Woman at interview
Susie Wilson Image Group

BODY LANGUAGE

  • Understand the importance of body language at your interview.
  • How you display body language is as important as why you say.
  • Ensure you face your interviewer, try to relax, smile, and look interested and positive.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

  • Don’t forget to confirm at the end of the interview that you are very interested in the position and confirm that if you were offered the position that you would love to accept it.
  • Shake hands as you leave
  • Don’t be afraid to ask what the next stage is after this interview and whether you have a chance at obtaining the role.
  • Ask when you would expect to hear an outcome from the interview.
  • Follow up your interview with a thank you phone call, email or letter to the interviewer.

QUESTIONS

Here is a list of questions that are often asked at interview. Remember to be honest and truthful, but also think carefully about your answers and put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes when you consider your answers.
  • Tell me more about you so that I can get to know a little bit about who you are?
  • What are your greatest achievements in your career so far?
  • What are your personal interests?
  • How would your mother describe you?
  • How would your teacher describe you?
  • Why are you leaving your current job?
  • Why should we hire you for this position?
  • What makes you the best person for this position?
  • What is your greatest accomplishment in your life so far? Why do you consider it to be?
  • Which job have you enjoyed most in your career and why?
  • Which job have you enjoyed least and why?
  • Can you demonstrate and example of working to a tight deadline in your current or last job.
  • Can you describe a difficult situation that occurred in your job and how you overcame the difficulty
  • Can you demonstrate how you have advanced in your career over the past three years
  • Where would you like to see yourself in your career in five years time?
  • Have you worked in an environment where you have been measured by results? Please describe this.
  • Do you feel that you are in a role that suits your abilities? What would you change if anything?
  • How are you best managed?
  • Who was your best boss and why?
  • Who was your worst boss and Why? 

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