| Avoid arriving late
at all costs! If disaster strikes and you are going
to be late, call and explain. Arriving a few minutes
early will allow you to compose yourself, and it is
surprising how much 'company culture' can be gleaned
from a reception area. It really does allow you to get
a feel for the organisation.
Make a real effort to look smart. If you have any doubt
about your outfit, play safe, choose the conservation
option.
| Remember the following interview
rules: |
- Shake
hands firmly but not vigorously.
- Take
a seat only when invited to do so. Sit
upright, relaxed, alert and attentive.
- Look
the interviewer in the eye when you
talk.
- Avoid
smoking, even if you are invited to
smoke.
- If
you are asked at any time to fill in
an application form, do so neatly, completely,
and without appearing irritated.
- Show
enthusiasm and confidence. Act as if
you are intent on getting the job; never
shut out an opportunity, it's always
better to have more than one choice.
- Listening
is as important as telling the interviewer
about yourself. In order to ask informed
questions, make sure you fully take
in any organisational history, structure
or future plans that are outlined. Making
notes is not considered a professional
tactic, however. If you are asked questions
which you feel are already sufficiently
covered in your CV, don't say so, answer
the question as completely as possible.
- Remember;
smile now and then!
|
| Questions you may wish to ask: |
- What
would be my next step on your career
ladder, and what are the long term opportunities
for promotion.
- How
will my performance be assessed? Are
staff performance reviews made?
- Why
is the postion available?
- Is
encouragement given to undertake further
training?
- How
does the department integrate with the
rest of the organisation?
- What
will I be dealing with? How will I be
contributing?
|
| Questioning
techniques - prepare in advance |
| This is the real
key to interview preparation: anticipating
likely questions in advance and formulating
key phrases that can be used during
the course of the interview.
Interviews regularly use the same
basic questions, and the following
checklist will help your preparation.
|
Tell me about yourself?
This can be the most difficult question of all!
Should you provide a brief overview of your career to
date? Go into more depth across the board? Perhaps emphasise
key areas? It is difficult to gauge exactly the level
of depth that the interviewer will look for - particularly
if he or she remains silent during your answer or uses
non-committal sounds.
Don't hesitate to stop if you feel that you' re about
to go into too much depth, to ask 'I can expand on this
point, if you wish,' for example.
In general terms, it is advisable to outline serveral
of your strong points and accomplishments, both personal
and professional; any personal interests that are relevent
to the organisation of the position are worth outlining.Why are you seeking new employment?
However much you may feel frustrated in your present
position, aviod projecting a negetive attitude. Think
positive; what have been your achievements, and how do
you see yourself continuing to develop? It probably involves
moving jobs. Avoid salary discussions at this stage.What are you looking for in your next job?
It is best to speak in broad terms rather than specifics,
in order that you can blend your ideals in with the interviewers'
plans of their new appointee. Challenge and more responsibility
are examples of general statements you can shape to suit
the opportunity you have applied for.
This often catches out the unprepared. It should be the
question which is answered with the most confidence, and
is often simply a case of pooling together your responses
to earlier questions like: 'What are you looking for in
your next job?', and 'What are your strengths?' You may
need to throw back open-ended questions to the interviewer
such as 'I'd like to think my persuasive communication
skills will be a key factor; how exactly is the organisation
structured?' This will give you more information to enable
you to match your strengths with the key requirements
of the job.What are your strengths/weaknesses?
Again preparation is crucial - if you feel you have
a broad base of strengths, tailor them to the position.
Back up your claims with practical examples which demonstrate
your competence. Show how your strengths have benefited
previous employers.
The best weaknesses are always disguised strengths. For
example, not feeling stretched or challenged enough. Nobody's
perfect and 'I can't think of anything off hand', is
a poor response.
What sort of salary are you looking for?
Quoting a range will cover your options, for example,
'the low twenties', depending on any benefits or bonus
schemes you operate. Remember that your current salary
will be used as a basis for any offer, but provided you
have sourced the job through a recruitment consultancy,
there should be scope for negotiation later.
Supplied by Anakin Seal Recruitment Agency
Follow
this link to vist the Anakin Seal Recruitment Agency
website
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