Interview Tips

Attending an Interview? Below are some helpful tips to consider when attending an interview:

Prior to the Interview

* Gather as much information about your potential employer as possible.
* Practice interviewing techniques with a friend or partner.
* Arrange your documents and copies in an organised way, so you are able to access them quickly.
* Be prepared with questions to ask your potential employer.
* Be prepared for the types of questions they may ask of you.
* Know yourself and know your achievements, so you can utilise the opportunities to illustrate your strengths.
* Be tactful about the reasons why you have left previous positions.
* Arrive at your interview approximately 10 minutes early. This allows you to relax, take in the atmosphere and attend to last minute grooming and to become comfortable with your surrounds.
* Be polite to everybody you encounter.
* Switch off your mobile phone.
* Ensure you are dressed professionally.
* For men: a suit, or at least a shirt and tie. Hair neatly groomed.
* For women: a suit, or at least trousers or a skirt with a collared shirt. Hosiery in preference to bare legs. Hair neatly styled.

During the Interview

* Acknowledge your potential employer when they greet you by standing and shaking hands. A firm handshake is appropriate. If you have a tendency to get sweaty palms, wipe them prior.
* Wait to be seated. Avoid leaning or placing things on the table.
* Frequently make eye contact with the interviewer. If there is more than one interviewer try to acknowledge all.
* Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate enthusiasm, interest, and confidence. *Do not promise what you can't deliver.
* Be aware of your body language, e.g., do not cross your arms across your chest.
* Avoid talking too much.
* Avoid premature salary discussions.
* Do not discuss personal problems or problems you've had with previous colleagues.
* Thank the person/people who interviewed you.

Potential Interview Questions

* Why are you interested in joining our Company?
* Why are you interested in this particular role?
* Tell me about yourself.
* What are your strengths?
* What are your weaknesses?
* Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
* Why did you leave.....(Company name)?
* What particular aspects of your current position do you like/dislike?
* How did you obtain your past job/s?
* What did you like most/least about your last job?
* How do you cope/work under pressure?
* What business references can you provide?
* How long would it take to become productive in this role?
* Tell me about the best/worst Manager you have ever had?
* How would you describe yourself?
* How would your Manager/co-workers/subordinates/friends describe you?
* What goals have you established recently? Did you achieve these?
* What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
* What would you like in terms of remuneration?
* What do you know about our Company?
* What do you look for in a job?
* Why should we hire you?
* What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Questions to Ask Your Potential Employer

* Why has this position become available?
* What are the main responsibilities of the position?
* How many people would I be working with?
* Who would I report to? Who would report to me?
* What is the training/induction period for this position?
* What objectives/standards would I be expected to meet?
* What are the resources available to carry out the role?
* How will my performance be managed if I am successful in obtaining this position?
* What is the culture of the workplace?
* What are the growth plans for the organisation?
* What opportunities are there for travel, further training, or advancement?
* What step do I need to take from here?

Qualities Employers Often Looked For In Candidates

*A sense of humour.
*Imagination.
*Writing skills.
*Eye contact.