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Contents
Introduction
Prepare for the Interview
Dress for Success
Do’s and Don’ts for the Interview
Before the Interview
Types of Interview
Typical Interview Questions
During the Interview
After the Interview
1. Introduction
Congratulations, you have an Interview!, You have done well to get this Opportunity. You are 90% of the way to getting that job. The employer wants to meet you to find out more about you, to see if you will fit in the organisation. Whether you are committed and motivated and to find out more about your skills and achievements. Now you need to prepare for the interview, because if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail. Whoever makes the best impression at the interview gets the job!
2. Prepare for the Interview
Those being interviewed probably have similar skills and achievements, so you need to show that you are the right match.
You need to check the company website and look at any company literature, to find out as much as you can about the organisation. Remind yourself what you put on your application form/CV. A valuable tool you need to prepare is a statement about yourself. So practice talking about yourself by preparing a ‘Career Statement’ - Can you list two or three things you are good at? Can you list two or three skills and combine them all into a sentence or two?
Make sure you know exactly where the interview is taking place. The building may have several floors so you need to allow time to get to the right floor. Plan your route – how long will it take to get there? You need to allow time for problems with transport, parking, bad weather etc. Do you know who will be interviewing you? This is not essential but it may give you some idea about their focus.
3. Dress for Success
You also need to prepare what you are going to wear in advance. What you wear does not have to be new, but it does have to be clean and neat. It is probably preferable to wear a suit of a dark, plain colour and men should wear a tie. Women can wear a skirt or smart trousers with a coordinating jacket. Your shoes should comfortable and clean. Your visual appearance is very important and you want to make the right impression.
Looking good will also boost your confidence.
4. Do’s for the Interview
Remember that first appearances count – how you dress and act. Smile, make eye contact and acknowledge all members of an interview panel. Shake hands in a firm but gentle way, not crushingly strong, if it is Corporate Interview or MNC. Wait to be asked to sit down. Make sure you sit correctly and comfortably before starting. Show interest, Answer the question asaked, Keep positive at all times.
5. Don’ts for the Interview
Don't Be late, Looking towards Time or watch, Argue, Put anything on the interviewer’s desk, Say anything negative, Appear indifferent, Appear aggressive or act in a superior way - nobody likes this, Show too much interest in money or else.
6. Before the Interview
Take a copy of your application form/CV with you in a folder, a pen and paper and the interview contact number, just in case you are delayed and need to contact them. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time, but not too early. About 10 minutes is perfect as this gives you time to freshen up, calm yourself, perhaps with deep breathing exercises and to take the opportunity to get a ‘feel’ of the place. Be pleasant to the receptionist and take time. Wait for your interview, note what is happening around you. You should have turned off your mobile phone. Can you get a feel of the atmosphere of the company?
7. Types of Interview
There are several types of interview which you should be aware. The company will tell you what to expect but here are some examples and you will probably experience one or more of these at some point in your career.
One-to-One Interview
Panel Interview
Group Interview
Competency Based Interview
Situational Interview
Behavioral Interview
Online Interview
8. Typical Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself
Why have you applied for this job?
Why have you applied to this company?
Can you give me an example of a problem you have solved?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why did you choose your particular degree?
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
What do you do in your leisure time?
What evidence can you offer that demonstrates you have the skills we are seeking?
9. During the Interview
The moment you meet, your communication with the interviewer, it has the part of the decision-making as to whether to recruit you! Most decisions are made within the first three minutes! So, you need to be aware of your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Verbal Communication Skills - Show genuine interest in the position, Listen and answer the questions asked, Never argue a point, If you do not understand or hear a question, ask for it to be repeated, Do not interrupt.
Non-Verbal Communication Skills - Put your feet squarely on the floor or cross your legs at the ankle, Put anything you are carrying on the floor, Rest your hands in your lap, Nod your head to show you are listening, Be serious but do not forget to smile.
10. After the Interview
Thank you to the interviewer. You can also shake hands if it is a Corporate Interview or MNC Interview. Remember that the interview does not finish until you have left the building. If you have not heard from the company after the agreed time, contact them to find out if they have had time to make a decisions.
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