Interview Tips and Advices

Preparing for the interview

Remember - preparation is essential! After all, you would not sit an examination without having spent many hours revising beforehand.

• Find out as much as you can about the nature of the organisation that is offering it.
• Think our you answers to likely questions. In particular, be prepared to:
  - Talk about your present job and how it relates to the job on offer
  - Say why you want the job.
  - Say what you think you can contribute to your new employer.
  - Talk about your career goals and ambitions.
  - Discuss your strengths and/or weaknessess.
  - Talk about your home circumstances, education, qualifications and leisure interests.
• Keep yourself up-to-date on current affairs and well informed about recent developments in areas related to the job.
• Think up questions of your own and list them down.
• If you intend to take a portfolio to the interview, organise your material carefully and make sure it will show you up in a good light.
• Make your travel plans with the aim of arriving for the interview in good time.
• Check out your clothes, documents, etc. on the day before the interview, and try to get a good night's sleep.

The day of the interview

• Take great care with dress and appearance - remember the importance of first impressions.
• Set out for the interview in good time and arrive puntually.
• Be friendly and polite to the receptionist and to other interviewees who happen to be waiting.
• Greet the interviewer confidently. Let the interviewer take the initiative in hand shaking, etc.
• Listen carefully to questions as they are put. Be prepared to answer most questions at length.
• Use your voice effectively. Speak up and try to convey energy and enthusiasm. Avoid slang and other loose expressions. Do not put on a 'posh' accent.
• Be positive. Emphasize the stong points you have to offer. Do not dwell on weakness or mistakes.
• Do not become agitated or defensive if the interviewer is indifferent, aggressive or incompetent. Stay calm and respond thoughtfully and politely.
• Throughout the interview make sure to convey enthusiasm for the job. An employer will not take on a half hearted employee.
• End the interview confidently. Thank the interviewer for having seen you.
• As soon as possible after the interview carry out a systematic review of your performance.