Types of Interview

There are different types of interview formats. Ensure you know what type of interview you will be having.

• Telephone Interviews - make sure you have your CV, your diary and a pen and paper handy and that you are free from distractions. You will feel more confident if you are standing.

• Panel Interviews - you will be interviewed by several people. Direct your answers to the chairperson unless asked a question by another member of the panel.

• Assessment Centres - this can involve a wide range of tests and exercises. The interviewer will be looking for personality traits and how you relate to others.

Like it or not first impressions count! Therefore, the most important thing is your appearance on the day.

What to wear to an Interview

• It is safest to go for the more formal look. Investing in one good suit in navy or grey with a white or light blue shirt is a good starting point.

• Trouser suits are becoming more and more acceptable for women as long as it is in a neutral colour, such as grey or navy blue.

• Shoes should be well-polished. Men are recommended to wear dark plain socks and women are better off wearing shoes with a closed toe and heel.

• Try to keep bright colours to a minimum. If colours are necessary, limit splashes of colour to your tie, scarf or blouse.

• If you wear jewellery, make sure that it is modest and discreet.

• Perfume and aftershave should be used in small amounts, if at all.

• Details matter, especially personal hygiene. Hands, hairstyle and make-up should be simple and meticulous and good personal hygiene (eg clean nails and fresh breath) is vital.

• Take off any outer garments, eg coats etc, in the reception area.
  

How to prepare for an interview

Preparation is critical!

A company wants to know that you are as interested in them as they are in you. Therefore, the first thing you should do prior to an interview is brush up on your knowledge of the potential employer. Find out as much as you can about the organisation.

Answering the following questions should provide you with just enough information to impress the interviewer:

• What is their business?
• How many offices/sites do they have?
• How many employees do they have?
• What is the company's mission and philosophy?
• Its' turnover and profits?

Some of this information can be found at your local library, where you can consult a range of business directories and indexes. Equally, you can call the company before the interview to ask for any recruitment brochures, relevant marketing material and annual reports. And if the company has an Internet site, be sure to check it for up to date stories about the company and its competitors.

A way of ensuring that you are able to answer any questions on the organisation is to prepare and memorise a response to the often asked question, "What do you know about us?" This will prove that you've taken the trouble to find out more about the organisation and are interested.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

The best way to prepare for any interview is to anticipate possible questions and prepare answers and practice responses.

Typical questions include:

• What qualifications or experience do you have that would make you a success in this company?
• What jobs have you enjoyed most? The least? Why?
• Why do you want this position?
• What's important to you in your job?
• Give an example of a project you have completed.

It's also important to identify your weak points and prepare to answer questions that you may be more uncomfortable with, such as “Why were you unemployed for a year?” Make sure that you have an answer ready and that you are comfortable with your reply. Another common question is "Are you ready for a job like this?" Your ability to give brief, focused and reassuring answers to sensitive questions like these will increase your chances of success.

Formulate questions to ask the interviewer

Analyse the job description and prepare a list of questions you may like to ask. For example:

• "What training and promotional opportunities are there?"
• “What is your personal vision for this department for the next two years?”
• "Why did you join this organisation?”

Naturally, many of these questions may be answered without you having to ask them, but if you have prepared several questions in advance you will make sure you get all the information you need. It is always best to ask at least one question!

The Actual Interview

First thing’s first! What do you take?

You should take a copy of your CV, relevant examination certificates and any references or referrals. Carry everything in just one bag or briefcase, otherwise you'll look cluttered and disorganised.

When should you get there?

Make sure you arrive early for the interview and don't rely too heavily on the efficiency of public transport or a traffic-free journey. By arriving at least 15 minutes early, you will have a chance to relax, gather your thoughts and possibly read any company literature that is available. Also remember to be pleasant to receptionists and other staff you meet: they will often be asked for their impressions of you.

The interviewer can be just as nervous as you as the company will do well if he/she gets it right but if he/she gets it wrong, the company may suffer.

Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake and wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Be aware of your body language: sit up straight, maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting or twiddling your thumbs.

According to research, the interviewer will decide within just four to nine minutes whether to consider you seriously for the job. So first impressions definitely count!

Show a real interest in the job. Speak clearly and confidently and make sure that everything you say is factual and sincere.

Avoid answering with a simple yes or no. Support your answer with relevant information from your experience and relate everything you say to the job you are applying for.

Do not speak negatively of other people or companies. It makes you look unprofessional.

Stay calm. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview, speak with energy and enthusiasm, and feel free to pause when you are thinking of appropriate replies.

Keep your answers relevant and to the point.

You may be asked deliberately provocative or difficult questions to see how you act under pressure. However, if you prepared fully, you should have already anticipated these. If you are asked an unexpected question, pause and think before giving an answer and always offer a positive response that relates back to the position you are applying for.

Usually the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. The worst response is "Can you tell me a little more about the job?" Be specific and ask questions that have not already been answered in the job description. Again, you should have prepared some questions beforehand!

Don't let your guard down towards the end of the interview. You want the interviewer to remember you positively, so thank them for their time and consideration and tell them how much you enjoyed discussing the job with them.

It's important to convey that you really are interested in working for the company, because - all other things being equal - the job is likely to go to the more interested candidate. Tell the interviewer that you look forward to hearing from him/her, shake his/her hand and leave.

Congratulations! You have just completed the hardest part of the whole job seeking exercise!