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| INTERVIEW TIPS |
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Interview Hints
You've taken heed of our CV preparation hints, and one of our Consultant’s
has got back to you, with the good news of an interview date arranged,
so what next?
Interviews are tough assignments, but its interviews that determine
whether or not you get the job you’re after! Preparation is
the key, and with thorough preparation everything else will fall
into place. Once you receive notification of an interview from one
of our consultants, sure jump for joy! But then you must sit down
and try to envisage the interview in your mind i.e. the questions
you're likely to be asked, and the answers you're likely
to give. If you turn up totally unprepared you can kiss goodbye
to that particular job!
Preparation
So what sort of preparation, the most important is to extensively
research the organization, and understand the role for which you
have been put forward. Most Companies have Web sites, look on them,
collect data, read press releases, find out as much as you can and
get yourself together a good database of knowledge, and thus draw
up a list of potential questions you can ask.
Then prepare yourself, by practicing questions you’re likely
asked, for example:
- Tell me about yourself?
- Why would you like to work for the company?
- Where do you want to be in five years time?
- Why did you choose a career in...?
- What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- What do you know about the company?
- What are your goals in life?
- What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
- What does the term 'teamwork' mean to you?
These are all examples of questions that you are most likely to be
asked, so it's imperative you prepare answers for each.
A few hints on the above, always give yourself a weakness, but not
one that will effect your job. For example, everyone has weaknesses,
but the key in an interview is to turn the weakness into a positive,
i.e. “I suppose my main weakness is patience whilst a deadline
is approaching, but that’s only because I want the job done to
the best of my ability”. For goals in life, sure mention the
family, but try and mention a professional career goal as well. You’ll
be asked if you have any questions, never say no! You could ask about
what future plans there are for the company, about the company culture,
let your interest shine through, this is where your research can come
through and so make sure you impress them!
The Big Day
With thorough preparation you’ll be able to go into your interview,
confident and relaxed, which will give you an automatic advantage
over others. However, that will all go out of the window, if you
don’t present yourself accordingly. Even if the company has
a relaxed culture, and wears casual clothes, it doesn’t matter,
wear a suit. Make sure your clothes are ironed, your hair is brushed,
you've clean hands, use of deodorant, clean breath! Presentation
is all-important.
Always arrive early for your interview, it shows you’re eager,
and indicates good manners. One minute late, and it’s the end,
no matter what the excuse is! Asking for the interviewer by name,
and knowing a bit about the company before you go into the meeting
will also be plus points. Always greet the interviewer properly i.e.
with a firm handshake. If there is more than one interviewer look
at the one who is talking, and always keep eye contact throughout
the interview as body language counts for a lot. Remember to turn
off mobile telephones and pages!
Most importantly though, be yourself, and relax!
At the conclusion of your interview, always thank the interviewer,
no matter how well you think the interview went, and ask about the
next stage of the process if you feel it's appropriate. Then call your
Dart consultant and tell them how it went.
Following Up The Interview
If we have arranged the interview, then leave to the consultant
to ascertain your progress, do not telephone the company concerned.
If you've presented yourself properly, asked the right questions,
you should have some idea how you've done. The answer to your question
might be in the post!
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