Job Interviews

A job interview is your chance to show an employer that you are the most suitable person for the job. That is why it is essential to be well prepared for the job interview. Preparing means knowing about the industry, the employer, and yourself. It means paying attention to details like personal appearance, punctuality and giving a good impression.

The interview is the most stressful thing for any job seeker.

You have to know that it's the person who gives the best interview who wins.

Preparation 

See the interview as a competition that you have to win. Before you can win any competition, you need to prepare for it.

Identify four or five of your strengths. Talk about your willingness to work long hours. Tell the interviewer that you are a team leader, team player and that you have a sense of humor.

Read about the selection criteria for the job before the interview.
Find out some information about the company like:

· company size and locations

· products and services, target market;

· What you can do to make the company make more money.


Review your resume

Read your resume carefully to see if you have spelling mistakes or information that the company may not be interested in. The questions in the interview will be related to your CV.


Plan the journey 

· Find the address of the company and look it up in the Melways.

· Allow for delays and traffic jams.

· Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview so that you're relaxed.

· Arrive at the interview venue no more than five minutes early.


· Dress comfortably but presentably.

· Make sure your shoes are clean and do not use much aftershave or perfume.


At the interview 

You're prepared, on time for the interview and ready to convince them that you're the person they need.

Make a good first impression

The first impression is always the strongest and most lasting. Be friendly, but not over-friendly. Create a positive first impression by offering a handshake and make direct eye contact.

You have to remember that being nervous is normal and most experienced interviewers understand this.

You can ask questions about the salary they offer. You can find out if they offer any training.
Answer questions honestly and completely and avoid giving short yes/no answers.

Try not to speak longer than two minutes at a time.
Don't complain about your previous job or your previous boss.

Interviewers like to know that you are interested in the job. Say something like:

"I'm very interested in what you're doing here and the products you're making.

This company is pleasant and the people I've met seem knowledgeable.

You may be asked some questions like:

· How would you describe yourself?

· Why did you leave your last job?

· What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

· Why did you choose this career?

· Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?

Getting the job depends on so many things. The interview is the most important one.

Good luck with your job hunting.