Successful Interviews

1. Be physically and mentally prepared

Decide what to wear days before the interview. Being well groomed and having a good appearance is essential. Have a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal and allow plenty of travel time.

• Conservative suit (dark blue or grey)• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is

best)• Clean, polished conservative shoes• Well groomed hairstyle• Clean, trimmed fingernails• Minimal cologne or perfume• Empty pockets – no bulges or tinkling coins• No chewing gum, lollies or cigarettes• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow

rings etc.)

What to wear? For Men & Women

For men• Conservative tie and dark shoes (black lace

ups are best)• Get a haircut – short hair always looks

better in an interview• No earrings• Neatly trimmed beards or moustaches• If you don’t own a suit wear neat slacks and

a neat clean shirt – no T shirts or polo shirts.

For Women• Conservative skirt and blouse as a minimum• Shoes with a conservative heel• Minimal make up• Ensure no cleavage or stomach showing and skirt

is not too short• Only 1 set of earrings• Conservative hair style or hair tied back• Conservative jewellery

2. Be on TimeBefore the day of the interview, make sure where the interview will beheld. Take time to find out where the location of the interview is, days before the actual interview. Keep in mind to leave enough time for your journey.

Do plan on arriving 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

If you are running late, phone the company.

3. Be Pro activeDo research on the organisation by locating their website (if they have one). Find out about the specifics of the job you are applying for and try to prepare some questions about the company – it’s workplace culture and what a typical day would be like.

4. Be your best selfSpend time researching about you. Review your past experiences and accomplishments that may fit the needs of the company. Being able to have a grasp of your talents, skills and experiences will enable you to communicate the contributions you can make to the company.

5. Be Positive

By being well-prepared, you eliminate nervousness. Just try and enjoy the interview and be enthusiastic when responding to the interviewer’s questions. Confidence and a pleasant disposition bring out the positive energy in you.

THE INTERVIEW

• Do greet the interviewer/s by title (Ms., Mr.,) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation.

• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting and remember body language and posture. Sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don’t fidget or slouch.

• Don’t tell jokes during the interview• Remember to turn off your mobile phone.• Don’t smoke even if the interviewer offers you

one. Don’t smoke beforehand so you smell like smoke. Do brush your teeth and use mouthwash, or have a mint before the interview.

• Relax and be yourself• Some first impressions gestures are

handshakes, eye contact, warm smiles, good posture and a confident introduction of self.

• If there are 2 or more interviewers in the room, be sure to address all the interviewers before you answer a question. A well-thought answer is better than a rushed one. Try to give complete answers as much as possible, ask for clarification.

• Use concrete experiences to illustrate important information about yourself.

• Avoid using poor or slang language to impress the interviewer. Use familiar but concise words during the interview.

• Show interest during an interview by striking a good balance between speaking and listening.

• Be honest. Answer the questions truthfully and be fair to yourself.

• Make sure to highlight your good points. This would enable the interviewer to assess your performance at work and your potential to be an effective employee.

• Don’t be soft-spoken. An assertive voice projects confidence.

• Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don’t be overly aggressive.

• Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors or employers.

• When asked about your weaknesses, mention how you were able to handle a difficult situation, share the lessons you learned and the improvements you would take to convert weaknesses to strengths.

• Don’t act desperate by telling the interviewer you are willing to take any job offered.

• Before leaving the interview, ask the interviewer what the next steps will be. Know what to expect and when you will hear from them.

• Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.

• Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you have received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Thank the interviewer for their time.• Make some notes regarding the things you

learnt about the company. These may be helpful for your next interview.

• Do try and get business cards from each interviewer. Or at least get the correct spelling of their first and last names.

• Make a follow up call to know your status.

GOOD LUCK!

View this video clip on interview tips

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR-RmT3qNiY&feature=related

That’s all!Thank you for coming todayLook forward to seeing you next session