Interview Tips

Job interviews are nerve racking so getting it right is important. The employer will immediately start to evaluate your suitability for the job and will assess you on your appearance, personality, the way you present yourself and your general attitude to work and life. The job interview is still the most commonly used form of recruiting new employees and is the most important part of your search for employment. Your ability to present yourself professionally and confidently will give you a huge advantage over the competition. There are a few simple rules to keep in mind.

Arrive on time or early, this shows commitment and enthusiasm as well as appreciation for the employer's time. This will give you time to complete any paper work as well. Greet the receptionist with a warm friendly smile; firstly it's polite and secondly you never know who has an influence over the interviewer. Greet the employer with a firm hand shake (don't try to squeeze the life out of them). Smile and most importantly make eye contact. As surprising as it may seem, the outcome of many interviews are decided within the first 10 seconds of meeting the interviewer. You should present a professional image with the way you are dressed (smart is best), show self-confidence and maturity giving prompt concise answers to questions.

Research the company and know who they are and what their business is about before arriving for the interview. Once again this shows interest, enthusiasm and professionalism on your part. Your knowledge of the company will show the interviewer that you are thorough in your approach which will hopefully be the way you conduct your job as well.

Be truthful ; if you are required to fill out an application form, be honest and make sure you write neatly. Your information as well as the way it is filled out will be considered. Provide all possible information and don't write 'refer to CV'. Always present the facts and in the salary section you can put negotiable or open.

Come prepared with questions , as most employers will evaluate you by the questions you ask. They want you to ask specific questions about the job, the company, and its plans for the future and how you will fit into to their future plans. Ask the employer to describe the job to you. This involves you in the interview straight away. Listen very carefully to the interviewer and if you did not hear them correctly, or are not sure what the question is about, say so. Make mental notes about the duties described, which can be tied up later with your training and skills. This tells you how best to respond in an interview situation.

Use your Experience , background and qualifications to explain how you believe that you qualify for the job. Don't forget to use specific examples of achievements so that the employer can visualize you successfully handling the job.

Be specific when answering question like 'tell me about yourself'. If this question comes up, link it back to the position you are applying for and emphasize what you are able to do for the company within that role. Again talk about specific achievements that showcase your abilities. Talking about your family or social life is not really what they want to hear. If they want to know more about you outside of work time they will ask you specific questions about your personal life. Talk about your success in your career to date, this will tell the employer why you will be an asset to them and not why you need a job.

Be positive; when you reply to questions and speak clearly. If the employer has to ask you to repeat yourself too often they will assume that this is how you communicate in the work environment too. In order to develop a good rapport with the interviewer, listen carefully and show an interest in what they are saying.

Body language is extremely important, so sit upright in the chair, keep eye contact frequently and lean forward a little to show that you are interested.

Ask for the job ! Being able to do the job is one thing, but most employers need to know that you actually want the job. A good technique to use is to ask the employer outright "do you think I qualify for the job"? If the answer is 'yes', then tell them immediately that you are very interested in the job. Let them know when you are able to start, should they offer you the position.

Salary, especially in the first interview, is a subject better left for the employer to bring up. If you are asked by the employer about salary, let them know that you are very interested in the job first and then mention that you would like to earn the best possible salary that matches your experience and qualifications. If you are offered the job and really want it, accept it on the spot. If you are not sure, ask for a day or two to think it over. What ever you do, don't turn down an offer of employment until you have had time to think it through.

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