Struggling at job interviews? | The Working Earth
10 May 2016
Here are 5 interview tips to help you improve your performance and make the interview process less daunting.
1. Acknowledge your attendance to the sender with an e-mail or phone call.
2. Prepare for the interview: Preparing for a job interview is essential to making a good impression.
- Do your research:
- Confirm that the organisation has your most recent curriculum vitae with the correct information i.e. updated qualifications, previous employment details, correct employment dates, contactable references etc.
- Research the organisation by reading through their website and any related information you may come across. This can help you gain insight into the organisation, its sustainability, culture, projects they have been involved in and perhaps you might find some information the interviewer(s).
- Confirm that you have the correct physical address where your interview will be held.
- Read the job specification again:
- Compare your skills and abilities to the requirements listed on the job specification.
- Review common interview questions and prepare your responses:
- Preparing responses to common interview question will help you feel more comfortable when the questions arises during the interview. The reason why this works so well is not because you are able to give the "correct" answer but rather giving the best answer focusing on your specific skills and accomplishments. Remember - The interviewer is not looking for textbook answers but insight into who you are!
- Prepare your interview outfit and dress for the position or company:
- Always go for the professional sophisticated look. Remember - first impressions last.
3. Arrive on time for the interview - plan your schedule so that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
4. During the interview:
- Be confident
- Smile
- Keep eye contact
- Establish your worth but don't over sell yourself because this could come across as being arrogant
- Listen and remain attentive
- Think each question through before you answer - don't take longer than a 1 minute. Remember to ask the interviewer(s) to rephrase the question if you don't understand the question.
- Ask questions – The best way to reiterate your interest in the position is by asking questions relating to the organisation or the position.
- End the interview off with a smile and state your interest in the position. Don't be overly anxious, but act interested.
5. Thank interviewer(s) in person or by e-mail
- Remember the more effort you put into your interview preparation, the more success you will have in obtaining your ideal position.
The Working Earth has specialist recruitment staff that focus on both clients and candidates and will help you come off stronger than your competition. For more information contact us on 011 475 9668.
Article by Ivona Lewis, Researcher
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