Interview Techniques

Surviving a job interview…..it’s all in the preparation.  Preparation can make the difference between landing the job of your dreams and getting rejected. Job interviewing can be a very daunting and nerve-racking experience. Here are a few tips on how to not only survive the experience, but make it a successful occasion as well.

Dress for success

Looking your professional best for interviews does not happen on its own. Planning, and budgeting to look the part will assist in landing your dream job. If what you want to wear has been in your wardrobe for more than 3 years you need to ask yourself “Do I feel 100% confident in this outfit?”

What do the leaders and role models of the industry you have chosen wear? Dress not for now but for the position you want to have in 5 years.
 

A few tips for women:

• Your wardrobe should include a well fitting skirt, and elegant top or a smart suit, pantyhose, leather bag, nice folder, quality pen, & court shoes.
   
• If you hair is not right, you won’t look good in any outfit regardless of how hard you try. Keep it neat and find the style that works for you.
   
• You can tell a professional by her hands. Visit a manicure salon or do your own.
   
• Less is more with accessories. Anything that dangles or moves distracts your interviewer.
   
• Review yourself, and leave your front door feeling like a million dollars as it will show through in the interview!
   

A few tips for men:

• Your wardrobe should include a well fitting suit, quality shirt, silk tie, leather organiser, good pen, gold or silver watch, long socks, and leather shoes.
   
• The width of your tie should be in proportion to your body, and the bottom of your tie should just touch the belt buckle for the correct look.
   
• At least 1cm of cuff needs to show from the jacket sleeve. Same goes for the shirt collar that should be visible from the jacket at the back of the neck.
   
• Have enough length in your trousers so that the hem just brushes the heel of the shoe.
   
• Scuffed, discoloured, or dirty shoes will cost you the job – the devil is in the detail
   

Do your research!

• What would you be doing on the job? Know as much as you can about the duties of the position you have applied for by re-reading the ad and pay attention to the selection criteria.
   
• What do they do? Find out the company’s products, services, and points of difference.
   
• Who are they? You must visit all company websites before the interview paying particular attention to the about us, locations, contacts, and history tabs.
   

What do I take?

• A copy of the application you made including cover letter and resume.
   
• Qualifications, school records and levels attained.
   
• Any certificates or awards relevant to the job.
   
• Written references if you have them as well as contact numbers.
   
• Compile all of the above in a neat vinyl folder with clear plastic pockets.
   

Preparation

• Double check the address of the building.
   
• Plan your trip in advance checking timetables, parking, and directions.
   
• If in doubt, do a trial run and time yourself getting there.
   

Practice the answers to questions the employer may ask such as:

• Why does this job interest you?
   
• Have you had any work experience in this type of work?
   
• Which of your school subjects interested you the most?
   
• How do you feel about working as part of a team?
   
• What are your long term career plans?
   

Prepare and rehearse your own questions to the employer such as:

• What are my long term career prospects?
   
• What training will I receive?
   
• What further study could I do?
   
• Who would I be working with?
   

I have arrived … what now?

The actual interview can be quite scary, especially if you’re very nervous and not feeling very confident. The key here is to calm your nerves, and plan your entry.

• Arrive ten minutes early – Gather your thoughts and check your appearance, make sure your mobile is off.
   
• Introduce yourself to the receptionist giving your name, time of appointment, and the name of the person interviewing you.
   
• Greet the interviewer and introduce yourself.
   
• Smile and be ready to shake hands.
   
• Try to sit still, don’t fidget, fiddle, chew gum, or use your mobile phone.
   
• Maintain eye contact, and answer questions honestly and politely.
   
• At the end of the interview, politely thank the employer for their time.
   
• As soon as you leave, evaluate your own performance and what you may have learned to help for future interviews.
   
• Good luck, and now we wait!