Your interview greatly affects your chances of being hired. It is a chance to convince the interviewer that you can make a significant contribution to their organisation.
Given equal qualifications, the difference between a successful candidate and an unsuccessful one is the ability to interview skilfully.
- Do plenty of research about the organisation before your interview.
- View the company website.
- Do arrive on time.
- Do not chew gum, eat, drink, smoke, or use heavy cologne or perfume.
- Turn off mobile phones
- Dress smartly and remember to smile – this instantly creates a good impression
- Make a note of your interviewers’ names and positions – one of them could potentially be your new boss
- Listen carefully to the questions and answer them as honestly as possible
- Make good eye contact with your interviewer
- Be confident and alert
- Do ask questions – make sure you find out as much as you need to about the job
- Don’t use “yes” and “no” as answers – try to elaborate
- Don’t be afraid to prepare a list of questions in advance of your interview
- Don’t gabble – speak slowly and clearly
- Most importantly, don’t despair if you don’t get the job….. Learn from your interview experience