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Interview Tools
 Did
you know that the best candidate does not always get the job? The
candidate who gets the job is the one who performs the best at the
interview.
You are expected to "sell" yourself, build rapport,
reveal attitudes and opinions and talk freely. You must demonstrate
the benefit and relevance of your skills and experience.
The purpose of the interview is not to get the job, but to win
the job offer. Be positive and enthusiastic - don't mention any
reservations until you have received the offer.
You have to demonstrate that you can do the job, that you want
the job and that you will fit in.
Click for Tips On:
Preparation
Presentation
Personality
Key Questions You Could Be Asked
What Questions Should You Ask?
Critical Dos and Don'ts
Closing the Interview and Follow-Up
Preparation
The first step toward a successful interview:
 Know the exact address and time of the interview, the interviewer's
full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title.
Research the best route and transport connections to get you
there on time (visit our links page for transport and map help)
Use the internet to research the company, its products or services,
competitors, company financial reports.
Find out why the client is interested in you.
An interview is a "two-way street" - know in advance
what questions to ask.
Always wear proper attire and greet your interviewer with a
firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile.
Anticipate the questions you will be asked, and prepare your
answers accordingly. Think carefully about your responses.
Finally, make sure you know your own CV.
Presentation
First impressions count. Typically, recruitment decisions are made
in the first 5 minutes. If a candidate looks the part, the interviewer will assume he
or she can do the job. If you don't look successful, the interviewer
has no reason to think you are. Be smart, well groomed in appropriate business attire. Guys, remember
a tie and a jacket. A suit is recommended for more conservative
roles. Ladies, employers still like to see you in a suit or dress
with appropriate pantyhose and shoes. Play it safe and dress conservatively until you check out the corporate
dress code at the interview.
Personality
The
interviewer is not merely assessing your skills and experience,
but whether they think you'll fit in.
Try to develop a rapport with your interviewer. The more the interviewer
feels comfortable with you, the better the interview will go. Look
for clues in the interviewer's office - family photos, framed certificates,
prints on the wall and discuss common interests.
Take note:
a firm handshake
eye contact should be maintained
don't digress, stick to the point
avoid jargon
don't fidget, and
watch the interviewer's body language.
Key Questions You Could be
Asked
Tell me about yourself?
What motivates you?
How would your work colleagues/manager describe you?
Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
Have there been instances where you have had to manage or supervise
others? Give examples.
What do you feel you have done particularly well in your current/last
job?
In what areas have you achieved the greatest success? Why?
What are your reasons for wanting to leave your last/present
job?
What are you looking for in a company?
What are your salary expectations at the moment?
What do you see as your best qualities?
Apart from knowledge or experience, what traits do you feel
could be improved upon?
What is the toughest decision you have had to make while at
your present/last company?
What Questions Should You
Ask?
A lack of questions may be mistaken as a lack of interest.
It is okay to take notes at the interview. The interviewer will provide
you with lots of information about the job opportunity and the company.
You will need this to make your decision later. Rehearse these questions
in your mind before the interview:
What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs)?
What are the greatest challenges in this position?
How do you think I fit the position?
What is the reporting structure within the company?
What is the vision of the company?
Could you tell me a little about the company culture?
What sort of opportunity is there for advancement within the
company?
What are the opportunities for future training and development
in the company?
Critical Dos and Don'ts
During the interview, the employer will be evaluating your negative
factors as well as your positive attributes:
Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early.
Do be well groomed and appropriately dressed.
Do fill out the application form neatly and completely, if
asked to do so. Don't rely on your resume.
Do greet the interviewer by last name. Give the appearance
of energy as you walk. Smile. Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely
glad to meet the interviewer.
Do sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
Don't fidget or squirm.
Do look a prospective employer in the eye while speaking.
Do follow the interviewer's leads. Try to get the interviewer
to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview.
Do make sure that your good points come across. Sell yourself.
Stress your achievements and provide details.
Do conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job.
Do show your personality; however do not let it take over.
Show warmth and honesty so that the interviewer feels comfortable
with you.
Do show enthusiasm.
Do bring a copy of your resume!
Don't smoke or chew gum.
Don't answer "yes" or "no". Explain.
So speak up and don't mumble.
Don't lie or hide the truth. It is okay to have made mistakes
in the past as long as you are up front about it.
Don't make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present
or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving,
limit your comments, don't get personal.
Don't over-answer questions
Do avoid politics or controversial issues.
Don't enquire about or discuss salary, holidays, bonuses, or
retirement. Sidestep the issue. You're more interested in opportunity
than in a specific salary. Negotiate your salary package after
you receive an offer.
Closing the Interview and
Follow-Up
Towards the end of the interview is the most appropriate time
for you to ask questions regarding the position and the company.
If you are interested in the position, ask for it - and tell
the interviewer why.
Find out the next step of the interview process.
Be sure to close the interview with positive reaffirmation
of your interest in the position and what you would have to offer.
Always end the interview with a firm handshake.
Thank the interviewer for their time.
After the Interview
Most importantly, call your contact at Challenge Consulting immediately
after the interview and provide feedback. We need to talk with you
before the interviewer calls back. It will assist us if we know
your feelings about the position, together with your perception
of what the client's reaction is likely to be.
After the interview, review your notes and jot down all the pluses
and minuses of the role and the company. We will assist you in answering
all those "I should have asked that at the interview"
questions.
Follow-Up
If you are really keen on the job opportunity it can be a good idea
to follow up with an email or letter to the interviewer:
thanking him/her for their time
reinforcing your relevant strengths and
restating your interest in the company and the position.
Send the letter the same day. The interviewer will be impressed
by your efficiency and enthusiasm. It will also help to set you
apart from the other applicants.
Call your Challenge Consulting consultant every few days to check
on the status of your application.
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