Before going to an interview, make sure that you are fully aware of, and familiar with the company you are going to. Make sure you go through their website in detail.
Make sure that you have accurate directions and have given yourself enough time to get there. It is always better to visit the location of the company before you go there. This also will give you a realistic expectation of travel time and distance.
Arriving early will give you time to go the bathroom and freshen up.
Before going in for an interview ALWAYS make sure that your mobile is turned off. This will seriously jeopardise your chances should it ring during the interview.
The most important thing to remember for an interview is to understand your CV. A client will go through your CV and ask you about it.
It is very important to be able to sell yourself. If you cannot sell yourself, be confident and proud of who you are, and your achievements, it will be difficult to convince a client of your potential. This is difficult for shy and reserved people, but an interview at the end of the day, is all about YOU.
These are just some examples of commonly asked questions. All our candidates going to an interview will be personally assisted by one of our consultants, prior to being interviewed by the client.
Just a few questions clients might ask you:
Tell me about yourself?
Why do you want to work for their company?
Why do you want to leave your present employment?
What you enjoy and dislike the most about your current job?
What are your long-term career goals?
Your strengths and weaknesses?
What motivates you?
How do you deal with conflict or criticism?
Any mistakes you have made in your job that you have learnt from?
How do you deal with pressure?
What have been your greatest achievements in your job?
What do you understand about the position you are applying for?
Why should they choose you for this position?
Describe your management style
Do you prefer working independently or in a team?
What are your salary requirements?
Do you have any questions for me?
More hints and tips for the interview
What to do at an interview:
- Turn up in good time and be polite to everyone you meet – you can never be sure who may have input into the selection process.
- When meeting your interviewer(s), give a firm handshake, polite and enthusiastic greeting, and smile. During the interview, make eye contact and smile.
- Dress appropriately related to the job you are applying for and try to follow dress code if you know what that is beforehand. No matter what you wear, make sure it is clean and smart.
- Be aware of your body language – don’t slouch, cross your arms or look uninterested, or chew gum!
- Make the most of your research – mention some of the facts about the organisation that you have found out from the media, etc
- Listen to the information and questions carefully. It will make a bad impression if the interviewer is required to repeat something again and again. Find out as much as you can about the job. There may be some questions you may want to ask
- Think before you speak. Concentrate on what you want to communicate in your answer and speak with confidence.
- Get to the point and do not waffle on about everything else except for what the client asked you.
What not to do at an interview:
- Be late – in fact, aim to arrive at least ten minutes early.
- Criticise current or previous employers.
- Answer a question with another question.
- Interrupt the interviewers (although they may interrupt you!)
- Use slang, jargon or swear.
- Lie or exaggerate about anything either in your application or during the interview. It is grounds for immediate dismissal when the falsification is discovered.
- Giggle nervously or talk too much out of nervousness.
- Do not fidget with your hands or with personal belongings.
- Do not talk to fast. Many people who get nervous talk to fast and give the impression that they want to get the interview over and done with as soon as possible!
- Ask about the salary (in the first interview) unless the interview brings it up first. This is usually discussed in a second interview.
- Leave without finding out when you will hear if you have made it to the next round of the recruitment process, and what that entails
- Don’t overstay your welcome. A drawn out farewell is irritating.