Preparation is the first
essential step towards a successful interview. It is
important to:
Know the exact place
and time of the interview, the interviewer's full
name, the correct pronunciation and their full
title
Find out specific
facts about the company - what its products and
services are, what its growth has been etc. There
are a number of research publications providing
this kind of information such as "The
Business Who's Who of Australia". The
internet can also be a good starting point as can
annual reports but for a private company, simply
call in and ask for information
Refresh your memory
on the facts and figures of your present
employer. You will be expected to know a lot
about a company that you have previously worked
for.
Prepare the questions
you will ask during the interview. Remember that
an interview is a "two-way-street". The
employer will try to determine through
questioning if you have the qualifications
necessary to do the job.
PERSONAL
PRESENTATION
Personal presentation
is a very important factor. Make sure that your
hair is tidy, your nails are clean and that you
dress appropriately. Research has shown that the
interviewer will make an evaluation in the first
four minutes of the interview that they rarely
change. If you start with a positive impression,
it is easy to build upon; a negative impression
is near impossible to overcome.
Never drink
alcohol or smoke prior to an interview
THE
INTERVIEW
BE PREPARED!
It is probable you will
have the opportunity to:
Talk about yourself,
your qualifications and abilities and what you
can offer the company
Hear about the
company, its products/services, the position and
the expertise sought
At an interview and during
a job search:
DO NOT LIE - but do
select your truths carefully
NEVER CRITICISE
PREVIOUS OR CURRENT EMPLOYER(S)
DO FACE FACTS
SQUARELY - but you do not have to offer negatives
Remember - confessionals
are not for your resume or the interview.
Know why you want the
position
Reason for leaving:
Be honest
Never bad-mouth
former or current employers
Strengths and
Weaknesses:
Talk about technical
as well as personal strengths
Be careful on
weaknesses - only highlight a couple but try to
turn them into a positive
Do not provide a
weakness that will be a disadvantage in the job
