Make the most of your job interview by following these ten simple guidelines.
1. Research the company well. Visit their website and find out what industry they are in and what they do as their core business /what their products are and what their market is.
2. Establish who you will be interviewed by. Is it a panel interview or will you be interviewed by HR and or the Line Manager? Know their names and their titles.
3. Dress formally. Even if the company has a casual, laid back attitude rather be overdressed than too casual. First impressions are lasting.
4. Make sure you have directions to the interview. Plan the route and know where you are going before you set out. So many candidates call in to say they are lost when on their way to an interview. All that tells a future employer is that you are unprepared. Not a good sign.
5. Make sure you have a good night’s rest the night before. Don’t arrive at the interview tired or hung over (You may not think it is noticeable but it is).
6. If you are running late due to unforeseen circumstances (such as an accident holding up the highway) phone the person interviewing you and inform them that you will be late. Don’t expect them to guess why you have not arrived on time.
7. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. This gives you a chance to relax and gather your composure and confidence before the interview. Too many candidates rush in to the interview flustered and anxious because they have arrived with no time to spare before the interview.
8. Once you are in the interview pay attention to the questions that are being asked of you. Listen to the questions in full before you answer and don’t interrupt the interviewer. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
9. Contribute to the discussion/interview. The employer cannot get to know you if you are reserved and don’t interact during the interview. If they have to ‘draw’ information out of you they can quickly lose interest.
10. Last but not least, when leaving thank the interviewer for their time, make sure you give a firm handshake and express your interest and enthusiasm for the potential position.
Remember to always stay positive. The right job is waiting for you.
Lyndsay Massyn is a senior applicant procurement consultant at RME Recruitment.
