HOW TO SURVIVE AN INTERVIEW

Often the toughest part of getting any job is the interview - that moment when you come face to face with a prospective employer, and, just when you need all the confidence you can muster, it seems to completely disappear. Getting through interviews and making them work effectively is something that everyone can do - it just takes preparation.

PREPARATION

• Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s name and his/her title.
• Plan your route, giving yourself plenty of time to get to the appointment - ideally you should aim to arrive 5 -10 minutes early to give yourself a chance to look around and to relax.
• Find out as much as you can about the company – where its offices are located, what services or products it offers etc. Local reference libraries can often help here or you can contact the company direct and ask for information such as the Annual Report and other literature.
• Also find out as much as you can about the job itself. Analyse the job description, try and work out what sort of person is required and match that to your own strengths and skills.
• Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present / former employer. You will be expected to know a lot about a company that you have worked for.
• Think carefully about what to wear as the importance of first impressions cannot be overstated. Make sure that you look smart and professional. Always wear a jacket.

QUESTIONS

The interviewer(s) will probably ask some general questions regarding your motivation and career goals. Therefore, try to think about the way in which you would answer the following type of questions:

• What was it about this role that interested you?
• Where do you see yourself in terms of your career in five years time?
• What would you say is your major weakness? What have you done to overcome this in your previous positions?
• What does “Customer Service” mean to you?
• What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Hobbies?
• What style of management do you work well with?

Questions to ask

Think about what it is you want to achieve from the interview. Remember it is as much for you to find out about them as the other way round. Think about asking some of the following questions:

• Why is the position available?
• Anticipated training process?
• Organisations plan for growth?
• Culture of the organisation?
• A detailed description of the position (if you don’t already have one)?