Basic interview advice
When applying for a position, remember that employers are selective:
- Employers want to know what you can do for them
- Employers want to know if you meet their needs
- Employers expect sound skills
- Employers need to get it right as the cost of recruitment and hiring the wrong person is high
Have a plan, be prepared and practice your interview technique:
- Find out as much as you can about the company beforehand
- Research the profile of the company and its current employees
- Visit their premises and get an understanding of their 'culture'
- Make an effort with your personal presentation, ensure it is appropriate to the job and workplace
- Prepare and practice answers to expected questions
- Show why you are the right person and sell yourself
- Use good eye contact and body language
- Listen, ask questions and take notes
- Predict any problems, make sure you address them first and reassure the interviewer they can be overcome
- Do not oversell, dominate or threaten the interviewer's status
- Leave questions about pay and hours until the end of the interview or a later conversation
- Don't worry if you're nervous - most people are!
- Remember that your preparation will pay off
After the Interview:
- Follow up, show interest with a phone call but use your best judgment - do not harass.
- If unsuccessful get feedback, how might you have done better. Don't ask them to justify their decision
- Ask about other opportunities now or in the future.
