Useful Tips for Interviews

Be Prepared
Know exactly where and when you’re going to be interviewed and allow sufficient time to get there on the day. Ask your recruitment company for the name and job position of your interviewer and for the telephone number, so you can let them know if, for some reason, you’re running late.

Be Informed
Ask the recruitment agency for some company information to help you prepare. Browse their web site and familiarise yourself with what they do – having some knowledge of who you might be working for will impress your interviewer.

Be Astute 
Interviewers ask many general questions in addition to those of a technical nature. Why are you interested in this position? What are your strengths? Where do your weaknesses lie? Why do you think you’re the best person for the job? Have answers to these questions ready. It’s also a good idea for you to ask some questions. Things like, “If I perform well, how can I progress within the position?” and “What are the future plans for the company and the department?”

Be Smart
First impressions really do count. Whether you like it or not, you are judged by the way you look, so dress smartly. In the case of a man, always wear a suit and tie and if you’re a woman, wear a neat skirt, dress or trouser suit. Always be civil and well mannered. Shake hands (firmly) with people you’re introduced to and smile – you’ll be surprised at how far the simple act of smiling can get you.   

Be Assertive
There’s nothing wrong with being assertive, as long as you don’t come across as being aggressive. Find the correct tone to present your positive points. By all means talk about your achievements, but don’t be boastful about them. Whatever you do, don’t run down your current employer. This won’t get you anywhere.

Be Honest
We all have job weaknesses, so don’t be afraid to admit yours. But be careful not to overdo it and talk your way out of a job. Discuss your weaknesses as though you’ve identified them and are working at overcoming them. For instance, you might tell the interviewer you used to have a time management problem, but you’ve rectified this by prioritising your workload first thing each morning. Or you could admit to sometimes finding it difficult to delegate and go on to say that when do delegate, the results have been positive.

Approaching your interview using the steps above should make you a very good candidate for the job you’ve been looking for.