The Interview

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A Rough Guide to

Improving your performance at an

Interview!

Companies are surprised by the number of unprepared candidates they see.

Will you be one of the many ?

Introduction:
The short time spent at an interview can affect your future career aspirations. It is therefore essential that you conduct yourself in the best possible manner. The following suggestions may assist you and in conjunction with the guidance provided by the Agency's will ensure you conduct yourself in the best possible fashion. Preparation is essential process to a successful interview. There are 7 steps to in doing so. These are

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 1: Always ensure:

	You know the exact location and time of interview.
	You know the interviewers name and title.
	Find out some information about the company. This information is often available at a good reference library or even on there web site ask the agency to assist you.
	You are up to date with information concerning your current employer, e.g. Turnover, Profit, Share Dividend etc.
	Prepare a list of questions you intend to ask - check this list is complete by discussing this list with your agency remember they are there to assist you in finding the right opportunity - not just a job.

Some questions you may like to ask:

Why is the position currently available?

If induction and training programmes are available?

Company growth plans?

Promotion prospects for the right candidate?

The next steps? .

Step 2: Dress in business attire.

Men

Dark business suit, White shirt, Conservative tie, Dark shoes and socks

Women

Skirted suit or dress, Stockings or tights, Court shoes, Smart bag, Moderate make up and perfume

Step 3: Do you know where your interview is ?

Check the way on the A-Z

Find out train times for your interview

Make sure you have change for parking meters or car parks

Interviewers often use standard questions during the interview process.

Step 4: Ensure you are prepared to answer the following questions:

	Tell me about yourself?
	What do you want to achieve in life?
	What are your strengths and weaknesses?
	Why do you want to work for our company?
	Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
	How do you best like to be managed?
	What interests you about our product/service?
	Where could I gain references' on your past work experience?
	What did you learn most in your last job role?
	Are you willing to relocate?
	How do you spend your free time?
	What does teamwork mean to you?

Key Note:

The reason for the interview is that person wants to recruit someone to fill a position in their company - not because they want to embarrass you. Throughout the interview the person offering the position will be evaluating your strong and weak points, qualifications, skills and ability to perform in the position they have available.

Step 5: The following points should therefore be remembered:

	Arrive on time or early - never late.
	If asked to complete a client "application" form do so neatly.
	Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
	Do not slouch, relax or smoke in the interview - even if the interviewer suggests you do so.
	Look the interviewer in the eye at all times.
	Avoid answering questions with a "yes" or "no" answer. Always relate your experience to the question being asked.
	Remember to ensure you make the interviewer realise they need you in their company - sell yourself, your abilities and your experience in the best possible manner.
	Be prepared to answer questions like: " Tell me about yourself ". " What kind of position are you looking for? " " What are your strengths? " " What are your weaknesses? " " What do you know about our company? " " Why do you want the position? "
	Don't lie, always answer truthfully and frankly.
	Ensure you do not demean your present company or competition.
	Avoid discussing political or religious subjects.
	Do not ask about salary, holidays, bonuses etc., at the first interview.

The interviewer will be evaluating the negative as well as the positive points!

Step 6: You should ensure not to:

	Present yourself poorly.
	Act in an overbearing or conceited manner.
	Mumble - express yourself clearly.
	Be disinterested in what the interviewer has to say.
	Be nervous and fail to look the interviewer in the eye, or proffer a limp, wet, handshake.
	Over emphasise the money factor - salary, car, bonuses etc.
	Excuse poor career path decisions.
	Act in an immature fashion.
	Condemn your current or previous employers.
	Fail to prepare for the interview by researching the company.

Step 7: Calling the Agency

Call the agency who referred you to the position as soon as possible after the interview. The agent will wait to get your reaction on how the interview went before speaking to the company. Any delay in contacting the agent may result in delay in the company being contacted and possibly result in a negative response.

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