| The good news about being invited for an | | | | some questions and have them ready to ask |
| interview is that an employer likes what you | | | | when prompted. For example: |
| have written in your application or CV. The | | | | |
| bad news is that you will only have a short | | | | · What are the future plans of the |
| time to convince them that it really is you | | | | company? |
| they want. Therefore, the key to a good | | | | |
| interview performance is preparation. | | | | · What is the likely career development |
| | | | pathway in the next few years? |
| Undertake research about the organisation by | | | | |
| searching their website or asking for copies | | | | · What possible training could I receive |
| of brochures, press releases and reports to | | | | in this role? |
| aid your understanding of the company's | | | | |
| mission and principles. Speaking to existing | | | | · How would you describe the culture of |
| personnel can also assist you in finding out | | | | the company? |
| more about the business. | | | | |
| | | | · Also, think of other questions that may |
| Have a clear map or written instructions to | | | | be more relevant to your target company. |
| follow to get to the interview and ensure you | | | | |
| know the interviewer's name and title. Arrive | | | | Preparation essentials |
| at least ten minutes early and be aware that | | | | |
| your interview starts when you enter the | | | | · Memorise vital information such as |
| reception and finishes when you leave the | | | | previous experience or skills acquired and |
| building. Dress smartly and appropriately for | | | | have an example or two of an occasion when |
| the company concerned. | | | | you applied that skill. |
| | | | |
| Your recruitment consultant, with a firm | | | | · Consider highlights and anecdotes about |
| understanding of the employer's requirements | | | | yourself, your qualities and your experience |
| and interview style, can offer support and | | | | to help with answering broad questions such |
| advice to prepare you for an interview. They | | | | as, "Tell me about yourself." |
| can give you tips on how to manage the | | | | |
| interview successfully and will talk you | | | | · Prepare descriptions of when you applied |
| through an in-depth job description, | | | | skills such as problem solving, adaptability, |
| discussing the relevance of your skills and | | | | leadership, conflict resolution, |
| experience for the position. Your consultant | | | | multi-tasking, initiative or stress |
| can also role-play different interview | | | | management. |
| techniques with you to develop your | | | | |
| confidence with different styles. | | | | · Be prepared for what you might have to |
| | | | discuss, possibly the company's potential |
| Structure | | | | concerns about you or salary negotiation. |
| | | | |
| Regardless of the type of interview most will | | | | · For telephone interviews, have all your |
| incorporate the following stages: | | | | materials organised in front of you and take |
| establishing rapport, exchanging information, | | | | the call in a comfortable room away from |
| and closing the interview. | | | | potential distractions. |
| | | | |
| Prior experience and the ability to complete | | | | By preparing well for different ways in which |
| the task in hand are important factors for | | | | an employer might conduct his/her interview, |
| temporary positions, while your background | | | | you can readily adapt to the interview |
| and how it fits into the organisation | | | | situation in which you find yourself and put |
| alongside your career objectives and | | | | yourself in a position to excel at this stage |
| long-term goals are more relevant for | | | | in the recruitment process. |
| permanent posts. With this in mind, prepare | | | | |