Interview Tips


Interviews are an integral part of your job search. They should not be viewed as a one-sided interrogation, but rather as a forum, which facilitates the exchange of information in an interactive conversational manner.

1. Preparation:
   • Organise your clothes - dress conservatively and suitably for the culture of the company and the image you wish to project.
   • Gather relevant information to take with you, such as copies of documentation, qualifications etc.
   • Research the company using published materials or by accessing their website so that you are able to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and ask relevant questions.
   • Think of examples of your achievements to demonstrate your competencies to the interviewer. Ensure you describe the situation, the action you took and the results or outcomes of your action.


2. Arrival at the interview:
   • Be on time – do not arrive late, but do not arrive too early.
   • Smile - make eye contact and have a firm handshake.
   • Small talk - interviewers frequently use "small talk" to break the ice. Follow the interviewers lead on this, but do not initiate a lot of small talk yourself as this could set the wrong tone.


3. Interview Structure:
   • No two styles of interviewing are the same. Go with the flow, but remember that interviewers value such qualities as warmth, enthusiasm, rapport, energy, clear communication and above all honesty (never lie). If you feel anxious, it is usually best to verbalise it. (eg. "I have not attended an interview in years and I am nervous"). Verbalising your nervousness often reduces it and interviewers are usually empathetic.
   • Normally, the interviewer gets information from you and then tells you about the position. However, this order of doing things varies from one interviewer to the next.


4. Closing the interview:
   
   • Prepare questions to ask towards the end of the interview. Some examples are:
     • Is it a new or existing position?
     • What are the responsibilities and priorities?
     • What are the reporting relationships?
     • What resources are accessible to the position?
     • What are the criteria for measuring success/ or key performance indicators?
     • What is the next career step?
     • What long-term career opportunities are available?
   • Do not initiate any discussion about remuneration at the first interview, however, be open and honest if the interviewer asks.
   • Ask what the process will be after the interview has been completed, if you have not already been told.
     Have some positive comments to make about the position and reiterate your strengths. If you are genuinely interested, say so.
   • Leave the interviewer with a good impression — smile, give a firm handshake and do not relax too soon.


5. Follow up
   • If you have been asked to send further information, ensure this is done quickly and efficiently.
   • Common traps
     • Being too friendly.
     • Not listening to questions carefully.
     • Saying "we" instead of referring to your own achievements.
     • Making very general statements that lack substance.
     • Being over enthusiastic.
     • Being poorly prepared.
     • Slouching, mumbling, speaking slowly.
     • Knowing nothing about the company to whom you are talking.
     • Making derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
   • Remember, not all positions you are applying for will be right for you. The purpose of the interview is to help you (as well as the company) sort out if the "fit" is right. Remain positive.

• Tell me about yourself.
• What kind of position are you looking for? Why do want to work in this industry/company?
• Why did you leave your last position?
• What did you do in you previous position? How was your time allocated? What did you like the least/best about it? How many people did you supervise? What was the budget responsibility? What did you accomplish?
• Give me some examples of the most difficult problems you encountered in your previous position, how did you resolve them?
• How was your performance measured?
• How did you get along with your manager?
• What are the qualities you look for in a manager?
• How would you describe your own operating/management style?
• What do you consider to be your strongest qualities? What are some of your weaknesses?
• What position do you hope to reach in five years?
• What are your leisure activities? Your hobbies? Why do you like them?