Job Seeker Interview Tips
An
interview is your opportunity to sell yourself and
to find out more about the job you have applied for. Exactly how
you should approach your interview often depends on a number of
factors; nevertheless there are some basic rules:
Company background
Find out as much as possible beforehand about the company,
including its products/services, markets, structure, website,
etc.
Interviewer background
Find out about the person interviewing you - role,
personality, interview technique, hobbies. Adjust your style
accordingly.
CV knowledge
Know your CV fully. Be prepared to answer questions about
it in your interview.
Standard interview questions
There are a number of standard interview questions. Be ready
for them. These can include:
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Why do you want this job?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why did you choose your profession?
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- What do you like/dislike about your current job?
- How was your last appraisal?
- Why are you looking for a new position?
- What has been the biggest challenge in your career to
date?
- What has been your greatest achievement to date?
- How would your friends/colleagues describe you?
- What is your plan for the next 2/5/10 years?
Usual interview techniques
Think about the role of the person who is to interview you,
and what they will want to learn about you. For instance, HR's
prime concern is to ensure that you will fit in with the company
culture and that you are of suitable character. Generally, they
will not be able to assess your technical skills and ability to do
the job in their interview. On the other hand, the manager who will
interview you for his or her department will want to test your
skills and your personality technically to ascertain whether you
can do the job and that you will fit in with the team.
Location
Find out exactly where your interview is to take place and
which location you will be working in.
Be early
Always aim to arrive at your interview 10 minutes early. If
you are late, apologise at once and explain why.
Dress to impress
First impressions count so wear your best suit.
Meeting the interviewer(s)
On meeting your interviewer, be enthusiastic and polite.
Maintain good eye contact at all times (remember that around 65% of
human communication is non-verbal) without appearing to “stare out”
your interviewer! If there are several interviewers, make sure you
look at each one. Try not to be unsettled if one person appears to
be there solely to observe you. Mimic the interviewer. If they are
formal, be formal. If they are informal, be informal.
Answering questions
If you do not understand a question, don't guess, ask them to
explain further. If you do not know something, admit as much and
explain how you would go about finding the answer.
Multiple interviews
Sometimes you may be required to have multiple interviews. If
so, remember what you have said to each interviewer. It is common
practice for interviewers to compare notes between interviews, so
expect the second interviewer to probe further in areas already
covered.
Don't talk too much
The communication should be fairly even between interviewer
and interviewee.
Take your time when answering questions
Before you answer, THINK. It is better to take your time and
give an exemplary answer after reasoning about the question than
rushing through with a wrong answer.
Ask plenty of questions
This will make you appear interested as well as allow you to
find out more about the company.
Good questions include:
- Why is the position available?
- What is the likely career development path over the next few
years?
- What training is offered?
- How often will I be appraised?
- What is staff retention like?
- What are the company's growth plans?
Feedback
At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer how they felt
it went and when you can expect to hear from them. You should also
let them know your interest in the role and thank them for their
time.
Thank you letter
If you have been interviewed for a permanent role, a letter of
thanks is an excellent way to follow up – not least because it
helps you to remain in the interviewer's mind. Do write one, it may
make the difference.