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It is important that you create the best impression possible at an interview. Although you may have extensive experience and education, if you do not perform well at an interview you may miss the chance of a really good career move.
We hope that the following hints will help you perform better at your next interview and help you get the job you want:
Before the Interview:
1.Make sure that you know the correct time and place for the interview. Also check that you have the name and title of the person that you are going to meet.
2.Find out as much as you can about the company and the job on offer before you go to the interview. For example, company size, the products they make and sell, the duties of the job and the responsibilities that it carries etc. At the same time, think how your interests and experience relate to the company and the position you are applying for. Note your strengths and your weaknesses.
3.Be prepared to answer questions. Below are some examples of questions you may be asked:
"What do you know about this position?"
"Why do you want to leave your present company?"
"What have you learned from your last job?"
"What do you feel was your most worthwhile achievement in your career to date?"
"What problems did you meet when they first made you a supervisor, and how did you cope with them?"
"What have you done to keep your knowledge up to date?"
"What are your career objectives and plans for the future?"
There are many questions that may be asked at an interview. Always give honest answers and remember that it is all right to take a few seconds to think about your answers. Make sure that your answers are sound and acceptable.
1).Make sure that you can answer questions about your current company, such as: size of company, the products, your duties there, its customers etc.
2).Be prepared to ask questions about the new company and the job offered. It is best you think about the job before you go to the interview and make sure that you remember the things that you would like to know more about.
Creating the Best Impression at an Interview:
1.Always be on time. You must never be late for an interview.
2.Be smartly dressed. Men should wear a business suit, with shirt and tie, if this is not possible then it is acceptable to wear smart trousers, with shirt and tie. Women should wear a business suit (or skirt and jacket), with a smart blouse and should always wear stockings. Shoes should be smart and clean.
3.Greet the person you are meeting by surname and shake hands firmly.
4.Always be enthusiastic, honest and give straight answers.
5.Active listening and speaking. Note the body language and maintain good eye contact when you are talking to each other.
6.Sit upright in your chair, look interested and listen to each question carefully before you answer. Never lean on the table or slouch down in your chair. Do not ever smoke, even if the interviewer is smoking or offers you a cigarette. Always politely refuse.
7.Make effective use of your body language. Body language speaks louder than words!
8.Do not give Yes/No answers to questions, always try to expand your answers as this gives you the chance to tell the interviewer more about yourself, how your experience relates to the job on offer and to get your good points across.
At the end of the interview:
1.Always thank the interviewer for their time and for meeting you.
2.If you are interested in the position, say so:
"Thank you for seeing me, I would just like to say how interested I am in the position now. Having known more about your company and what the position will entail, I'm certain that this is the opportunity I am seeking."
1.Shake hands with the interviewer and smile!
2.Remember not to worry if you do not get offered the job while in the interview. The interviewer will normally have several people to meet before he can make a decision, and it is often the case that you may have to meet other people from the company before a decision can be made.
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