Interviewing tips

Why do you want this job?

Before going for an interview think about why you want this job? Think about what it would mean to you to get this position and how this will benefit your potential employer. Your new employer will need to see that you have short and long term plans within their company and that you are committed to achieving these.
Your CV
Your CV should show all positions held including temporary work or travelling for example. If you have gaps in your CV explain what you were doing during this time ie: unemployed, give details of the things you did to try to find new employment or Studying, give details of courses attended.
Reasons for leaving
You will be asked your reason for leaving your previous companies, if you moved on due to a better role/salary/opportunity explain this so that employers can see what drives you. If you were asked to leave explain the situation as well as possible, be honest and be positive.
Do your Research
Always research a company before attending an interview. One of the first questions asked will be “what do you know about our company” an answer of “nothing or not a lot” comes across as lazy and like you cant be bothered.
Check out your potential employers website, remember this is their shop window to the world so will have all their best information on, key details to help you with your interview and also to show you the type of employer that they are.
• Check out their history, how long have they been in business, sister companies or partners.
• What they do Product or Service sector, familiarise yourself with what the company is all about.
• Read your job description so that you are fully aware of the role on offer and what part it plays within their organisation.
• Who are their competitors? it will show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in business and success.
• Be prepared for the “do you have any questions” that will come at the end of the interview. Some well thought-out questions about their company will again show your interest and commitment.
• Let us know how you got on after your interview, tell us how you thought it went, tell us if you would accept the position if offered to you.
What is the point?

An interview is a great way to find out more about a potential candidate. Employers will have chance to discuss your relevant skills, knowledge and experience directly giving you the opportunity to show exactly how capable you are.

Your CV can only show a certain amount, an interview will give an employer the oppotunity to see how well you will fit into a team and their organization, it will also give them the chance to see if you are looking for the same type of career/opportunity as their company can offer.

Remember an employer has little more than an hour to decided whether or not to employ you, they are looking for someone honest, trustworthy and reliable who will potentially be working with them for many years to come. Always be honest and open let them see that you are the right person for the job.

When it comes to talking during an interview, often less is more. As a common rule, you should speak one-third of the time and certainly no more than half of the time. The best interviews have a give-and-take atmosphere. To do this, you need to ask questions and try to draw out your interviewer rather than talking about yourself non-stop. When it’s your turn to speak, don’t hesitate to sell yourself — just bear in mind to stop talking after you do.

At the end of an interview always thank the interviewer and tell them that you would like the position, a great closing question is "are there any reservations that you have that that would prevent you from offering the position to me" this will give you both the opportunity to discuss any details which may need to be clarified.

Some Do’s & Don’ts
1. Do arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never justifiable.
2. If presented with an application, do fill it out carefully and completely. Don’t rely on your application or CV to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to talk for yourself.
3. Do greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it. Give the appearance of enthusiasm as you walk. Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be truly glad to meet the interviewer.
4. Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker.
5. Do look a potential employer in the eye while speaking.
6. Do follow the interviewer’s leads, but try to get the interviewer to illustrate the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can apply your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.
7. Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, genuine manner. Highlight achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc.
8. Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.
9. Do show eagerness. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic comments can improve your chances of being further considered. If you are not interested, your receptiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.
10. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your CV! Keep a number of copies in your briefcase if you are afraid you will forget.
11. Don’t smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum.
12. Don’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Give explanations whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation.
13. Don’t lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and concisely.
14. Don’t make needless derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale. Carelessly being derogative about a former employer will show a lack of professionalism and a lack of loyalty.
15. Don’t over-elaborate on questions. And if the interviewer steers the discussion into politics or controversial issues, try to do more listening than speaking since this could be a sensitive situation.
16. Don’t inquire about remuneration, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc., on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you’ve earned but that you’re more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary.