Interview Preparation

Confidence is the key when it comes to Interviews, knowing everything you can about a company, including past history, products or services and future plans. Revisit your application and put together likely interview questions you may be asked. Preparing some of your own questions to ask is always beneficial.

Always relate your answers to real life experiences whenever possible. Never lie or exaggerate, as you may be asked probing questions so don't want to be caught out!

The Interviewer's main aim will be to find out how suitable you are for the role and what skills you have to offer.

Typical job interview questions that you may be asked include:

• What do you know about this company?
• What interests you about the job vacancy and how are you suitable for the role?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Why did you leave your previous position?
• What makes you a suitable candidate for the role?
• What is your greatest strength?
• How do you cope with stress in the work place?
• What has been your biggest challenge in life so far and how have you overcome it?
• Where do you see yourself in three years time?

Sticking to the following Do's and Don'ts will also help prepare you to succeed.

Do’s & Don’ts of Interviews:

• Know your CV inside out.
• Know the exact place and time of interview, the interviewer’s full name and the correct pronunciation and his or her title.
• Do arrive a few minutes early, but not too early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
• Dress conservatively preferably in dark colours. Wear a dark suit, white shirt and bright tie with black polished shoes. Everyone should pay attention to all facets of their dress and grooming including getting a haircut.
• Greet the interviewer by their name, shake hands firmly and smile. It takes three times as many muscles to frown as to smile, so take the easy way out.
• Take along proof of your qualifications, apprenticeship etc..
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting down. Don’t slouch – it looks like your not interested. Look alert and interested at all times. Look the interviewer in the eye when they speak. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile!
• Get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position.
• Do make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
• Don’t ‘OVER ANSWER’ questions. You can talk yourself out of a job this way!
• Don’t LIE. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as much to the point as possible.
• If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t let your disappointment show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your potential may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
• Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration of you. You have done all you can if you have answered the 3 questions in his/her mind.

1. Why are you interested in the job and the company?
2. What can you offer to the company?
3. Can you do the job?