Prepare Well for Your Interview
Preparing well is the key step in interview success. Almost without exclusion, the post candidate who’s done the most preparation will be the person who gets the post.
Prepare your replies:
Nobody can tell you what questions the interview panel will throw at you, but there are numerous questions which commonly arise at job interviews and by using the internet and executing your research you can have a bank of answers ready for most questions. There will always be questions that surprise you, but if you’ve thought through your work history, prepared examples and know your CV inside out, then you should be able to answer everything competently.
Discover what you could about the company:
In nearly every interview situation, you will be asked, at some phase, to affirm what you know about the post to which you are applying. The detail and complexity of your reply depends on the position you’re applying for and your level of seniority, but it is crucial that you prove that you have completed your prep and understand their company, the market and the competitor landscape. Their web site is always a good research tool and if you’ve time, call up the company and ask them to mail you any relevant corporate communications.
Plan your journey:
It is staggering how many candidates turn up late for an interview, because they didn’t know the way. Learn the address, print out a map and if possible do a trial run so you know exactly how long it will take to get there. Always take the main reception telephone number with you, in case of an emergency, and give yourself plenty of time.
Once the interview itself arrives, make sure you follow the lead of the interviewer. Never try to use all the examples you’ve developed, just keep to the point and make sure your answers are pertinent.
An interview isn’t all about being reactive. Try to get the interviewer to tell you what skills they are looking for early on and remember to keep a note of any info that they give you. This way you can deliver your responses accordingly and ensure you say what they want to hear.
In Conclusion, an interview is as much about first impressions as it is about your skills and experiences. Maintain eye contact and smile throughout your interview to give off an air of positivity and professionalism and show off your enthusiasm!
