We realise that going for an interview can be quite nerve racking. Whether this is your first time, or if you are an old hat at this, it is always a good idea to have some sort of plan before meeting with your potential future employers.
1. Do Your Research
2. Be On Time
3. Meet and Greet
4. Come Prepared
5. Relax and Be Yourself
6. Be Positive
7. Sell Yourself
8. Take Note
9. Follow Up
10. Choose the Right Role
1. Do your Research
Research information about the company before the interview. Some important information to look for includes what activities are carried out by the employer, how financially stable the employer is, and what types of jobs exist with the employer.
Researching an employer during the job search can help determine more about that organization and your potential place in it. Know how you can help the company and prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company.
2. Be On Time
Arrive early for the interview. Plan to arrive for your interview 5 - 10 minutes before the appointed time. We know you're keen, but arriving too early is just as inconsiderate of someone's time as arriving late. By the same token, arriving late creates a bad first impression. Ask for directions when making arrangements for the interview.
3. Meet and Greet
Carry a portfolio, notepad or at the very least, a manila file folder labeled with the employer's name. Upon meeting the interviewer make sure you look them in the eye and shake hands, have the right hand free so you are able to shake hands.
4. Come Prepared
Bring extra resumes and a list of questions you need answered. You may refer to your list of questions to be sure you've gathered the information you need to make a decision. Do not be preoccupied with taking notes during the interview. Make sure you are prepared for the questions that they may ask as well such as: why should we hire you, what have got to offer, tell me a time when...
5. Relax and be Yourself
Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. Be professional and polite but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be yourself and try to relax. We know you probably want this job, however, not being overly attached to the outcome assists. You need to feel that you’d be comfortable working in this environment....remember, you could be spending 8+ hours there 5 days per week.
6. Be Positive
Employers do not want to hear a litany of excuses or bad feelings about a negative experience. If you are asked about a low grade, sudden job changes, or a weakness in your background, don’t be defensive. Focus instead on the facts (briefly) and what you learned from the experience. Know your strengths and emphasize those that relate specifically to the position for which you're being considered. If, for example, you're applying for a sales position, you might describe one of your strengths as follows: "I've made a study of personality types and I've learned to quickly type people in terms of the kinds of approaches that might best attract them." Be prepared, in this case, to back up your claim if the interviewer suddenly asks: "What type would you say I am?
7. Sell Yourself
Be prepared to market your skills and experiences as they relate to the job described. Work at positioning yourself in the mind of the employer as a person with a particular set of skills and attributes.
Employers have problems that need to be solved by employees with particular skills; work to describe your qualifications appropriately. As to your job objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don't want.
8. Take Note
After the interview, take time to write down the names and titles (check spelling) of all your interviewers, your impressions, remaining questions and information learned. If you are interviewing regularly, this process will help you keep employers and circumstances clearly defined.
9. Follow up
Follow up the interview with a thank-you letter. Employers regard this gesture as evidence of your attention to detail, as well as an indication of your interest in the position.
10. Choose the Right Role
The most important tip of all is that at the conclusion of the recruitment process and you are offered a position you need to consider this on many levels. You need to make sure the role is right for you and is going to take you places you want to go.
Ensure that the company, people and environment are the right fit for you and that you know in your heart (or gut) that this is the right career move for you. If you do not get this gut feeling and there are too many negatives outweighing the positives you really need to pass this offer up and continue searching for the role that feels right. In doing this and choosing the right role you do not waste time, effort and money on making the wrong move.
