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An interview has been defined as "conversation with purpose".
The interview is a unique chance for you to impress the potential employer of your ability.
Getting invited to an interview means you've passed the first hurdle. Your application was good enough to make it beyond the bin. However there is a long way to go! Now you need to prepare yourself for the interview to make sure you don't waste the opportunity.
Preparation is essential to performing well in an interview. You can compare the preparation for an interview with the need for revision for an examination You will have a certain amount of outline information on the subject. You will be expected to manipulate this and expand on it in order to answer questions set on examination paper. In examination, you can be asked to explain some topic in a number of ways. Similarly at an interview you can be asked in a number of ways about, for example, what you have to offer. It can be asked based on past experiences or strengths and even your hobbies and pastimes. Your task is to sift information so that you present yourself in the relevant light. How and what to prepare? 1. Know yourself: Think about yourself. See whether you can you outline your life and career in a clear and a logical way, highlight the positive aspects and demonstrate positive attitude, and provide examples of successful achievements. 2. Match the needs of the employer with your qualities: Identify your qualities of value to the employer, list your transferable skills, and strengths and weakness. Moreover reason your application. 3. Know the job: Study the job description. If you know somebody doing the same type of job talk to them. List the skills and qualities needed and think about the evidence you can draw from your experience to demonstrate that you have them. 4. Know the organisation: Find out as much as possible about the employer. Read all the literature sent to you. Try the employer information files in the career service. Use the library, trade press, journals etc. If there is a video, watch it. Companies often have mission statement or key principles, try to think of situations in your life, which demonstrate those principles. Keep your eyes on the news for any stories about the organisation or about their sector. Simple articles will give you a valuable insight into what a company is currently doing and a guide to future plan. Make a note of the facts and try to make an opinion. 5. Know the details: Make sure of the basics that you have confirmed date, place and time of the interview. You have obtained all the information from the employer you will need. You have looked at your copy of the Application Form/ CV/ Covering Letter for refreshing your memory of what you said. 6. Interview etiquette: This is all about first impressions and leaving a good impression of yourself. Always arrive on time, preferably early so that you can give yourself time to calm down, go to toilet etc. Dress to suit the occasion as if you already worked for them. Watch the body language- firm handshakes, smile, make eye contact, be attentive, don't fidget. First impression matters. If the initial impression goes wrong, then the remaining time in the interview will be spent trying to convince the interviewer that you are worth considering. 7. Question and Answer: There are several types of question that you may be asked at any interview, but in essence the employer only want to know three things, and these are the question you need to answer with evidence:- a. Can you do the job: Do you have the appropriate qualifications. Knowledge, skills and experience. b. Will you do the job: Do you have the right motivation and enthusiasm? Are you really keen on this job? c. Will you fit in: Do you fit in with the people who work there? Would people enjoy working with you or would you put a negative impact by being around? |
