SOME GUIDANCE NOTES TO HELP you INTERVIEW at your best
JOB OFFERS can be won or lost on your preparation for interview.
BEFORE any interview takes place, the company takes time to draw up person specification plus details on salaries, training and induction. You must match this preparation. Never expect to just turn up and perform well, no matter how strong and confident a candidate you might be.
Regard the interview as the first work you do for your new employer; the quality of tis performance reveals your potential for the future.
Many interviewers use your CV as a basis for the interview so you need to be familiar with its contents and prepare to maximise your strengths and handle questions about your weaker points.
Planning and good preparation are vital to success. This, plus research into the company and its products will help your confidence and thus enhance your performance.
Be honest at your interview; exaggeration and lies will always be discovered, usually sooner rather than later.
THE KEY POINTS
- FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT: The moment you arrive at the company you should be in ‘interview mode’ and stay that way until you leave the premises.
- KNOW YOUR PRODUCT: Regardless of the type of job you are going for there is always an element of sales at an interview, and you are the product!
- LISTEN: Never try to ‘lead’ the interview. Follow the agenda of the interviewer and listen carefully to everything that is said.
- BE POSITIVE: Never dwell on negatives: FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE. QUESTIONS: Interviewers will often ask if you have any questions. It is always wise to have them written down as this shows that you have prepared for the interview and means you will not forget what you wanted to ask.
- CLOSE THE INTERVIEW: At the end of your interview ask how you’ve done and if there are any reservations that you can address.
