So you've looked for a job, sent your CV to a dozen companies, and completed a few application forms. You sit back and relax, when the phone rings and it is the all important call to ask you to attend a job interview. This will be your chance to shine and the best opportunity you have of securing the job of your dreams so prepartion is essential to succeed.
General tips and advice to help you make the most of your opportunity.
Remember an interview is a two way process and gives you the chance to assess whether
this is really the right job for you.
Make sure you have the right date, time and location (and know how to get there!)
Arriving 10 or 15 minutes early will allow yourself the time to compose yourself and find the place.
Dress appropriately - (Smart is always the best policy).
Know about the organisation you are applying for – check out their website in advance.
Make sure you read the job description and person specification thoroughly so you can tailor your answers to show the interviewer you are the perfect person for the job.
During the interview remain polite, professional, positive, interested and make good eye contact.
Take your time and think about the question before answering - keep calm and ask the
interviewer to repeat any questions you don’t understand.
Remember to smile and if you feel yourself beginning to ‘lose it’, ask the interviewer for a
minute, take some deep breaths and try to relax yourself.
Never criticise present or former employers, stray off the point or interrupt the interviewer.
Be prepared to convince the employer that this is a job you really want and have the skills
to do it.
At the end of the interview most interviewers will offer you the opportunity ask questions.
Keep your questions positive. You may wish to take in a list of questions that you would like
to ask. Use your questions as an opportunity to show your interest in the company.
Take a notepad and pen in case you want to make some notes.
Real Interview Bloomers
Here are a few real life 'mistakes' made by young people, as reported by the employer
"The candidate stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application."
"She wore her ipod and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time."
"She announced she hadn't had lunch yet and proceeded to eat a hamburger and fries in
the interviewer's office - wiping the ketchup on her sleeve"
"Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the company logo
tattooed on his forearm."
"Interrupted to phone his mother for advice on answering specific interview questions."
"When I asked him about his hobbies and interests, he stood up and started street dancing
around my office."
"At the end of the interview, she opened her handbag, took out a brush, brushed her hair, and
then applied eyeliner before leaving the room."
"He pulled out a camera phone and snapped a picture of me. Said he collected photos of
everyone who interviewed him."
"During the interview, an alarm went off from the candidate's bag. He took out his mobile phone,
turned it off, said sorry and said he had to leave for another interview."
"Candidate said he really didn't want to get a job, but Job Centre Plus office needed proof
that he was looking for one.
