As promised today we are looking at
something for all you job hunters out there! As you will remember, last week we
looked at a few tips for completing a job application, now we are ready for the
next step, the interview.
Okay so you have received a reply to your
job application and you have been invited for an interview, that’s great news
but now you need to start to prepare. If you are a serious job hunter with many
applications outstanding I suggest you keep a diary logging all important dates
and times to make sure that nothing gets overlooked. Treat looking for a job as
a job!
There are several things you need to do to
prepare for an interview. It is important to make sure that you know exactly
where the interview is taking place; how you are going to get there and how
long it is likely to take you! If you are driving make sure there is somewhere close
by to park or if you are taking public transport carefully check the
timetables. It is well worth having a trial run to make sure you are going to
arrive in good time. Believe me you will not create a good impression if you
are late, and if you are rushing and panicking you are not likely to produce
your best ever interview performance!
So to recap, read the letter carefully,
make sure you know where the interview is taking place and how you are going to
get there, so you will arrive calmly and in good time.
You obviously have the
qualifications/experiences that the company is looking for as they have invited
you for interview, this should help you feel confident. However, take another
look at exactly what is involved in the post you have applied for and the
personal attributes they are looking for. You need to be able to show the
interviewers that you are able to match all aspects of the personal specification.
By giving this some thought beforehand you are more likely to be able to answer
any of the “can you tell us when......”questions that may be asked. For example
can you tell us when you have successfully worked in a team; can you tell us
what you consider to be your most important achievement ...etc etc.
Make sure you thoroughly research the
company you have applied to work for. This may help you answer the interview
questions more fully. Also it is very likely that you will be given an
opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. A couple of thought
out, reasonable questions will impress the interviewers and possibly make you
stand out from the crowd.
Although I do not believe that anyone
should be judged by the way they dress, it is certainly true that
“inappropriate” dressing can work against you at an interview. I am not
suggesting for one minute that everyone needs to wear a suit to be successful; just
think a little about the post you are applying for and wear something that is
suitable for that position, and comfortable for you.
Finally when interview day arrives there
are a few things to remember. They have asked to see you, so they feel you are
suitable for the position they are looking to fill. Try not to be too nervous,
remember, the interview panel have all been on the other side of the table at
some point, they will not be trying to catch you out, just looking for the
right person.
Don’t forget the interview is also about
you finding out if this is the job you would really like, and if the company is
one you would like to work for. Of course you should always be polite and
respectful (as should your interviewer), but if you have prepared and are
confident that you are the right person for the job relax, answer the questions
and let your personality shine through!
Good luck with the job hunting, and remember:
if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
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