Interviews & Preparation
DO...
Be prepared! It may sound like common-sense advice, but many people do not prepare for the interview.
Do your homework! Research the company. Have a look on their website and see if there are any recent press stories. Knowing about the company shows the interviewer that you are keen and truly interested in the job and company as a whole.
Get a detailed copy of the job description. Find out exactly what the job entails and the responsibilities involved. This will allow you to ask relevant questions and be able to promote your most relevant skills.
Know your CV! Make sure you know what you have described in your CV. Go over your previous jobs and current role, being prepared to go into more detail and describe some of your key achievements. Have some examples of real-life situations that you can describe which show your skills.
Be prepared to answer questions on your reasons for leaving - remember not to be negative about your current employer, but concentrate on the things that you want from your next role, that maybe aren't available in your current one.
Prepare for some typical interview questions. Some examples of these are:
Describe your strengths and weaknesses Why do you want this job? Why do you want to leave your current job? What are your goals and ambitions? Give examples of…how you handled a difficult situation / when you achieved a goal / failed to meet a target and what you did… What is your main motivation / what de-motivates you? How will you make a difference in our company?
Have some questions ready to ask. Some subjects include, opportunities for progression, questions regarding the job description, (you may ask them to elaborate on the expectations and responsibilities) or questions regarding the company structure and long or short term goals and plans.
Arrive on time and dress appropriately.
DON'T...
Be late! First impressions count and punctuality is the first impression the interviewer will have of you.
Forget to switch off your mobile phone! Again, this may sound like common sense, but your mobile phone going off in the middle of an interview will not impress, and may be the one negative memory that the interviewer takes away from the interview.
Bad-mouth your current or previous employers. Do not appear keener to leave a current job than to get this one. This will make the interviewer question your motives for applying and loyalties. The interview will want to know that you really want to work for the company, not just do a job.
Good luck!!
