Always Research the company
you want to be placed with beforehand. Get an information pack from its human resources
department, look up its web site, search business directories available in libraries
and go through back issues of the industry's trade magazines to look for relevant
articles.
Know exactly why you want the job and be prepared to present yourself convincingly.
Practice good answers to the standard interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself / how would you describe yourself?
Why do you think we should give you this job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What would you say are your major achievements?
- Where do you see yourself going in the next five years?
- What contribution do you make when working in a team?
- What contribution do you make when working in a team?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- Why do you want to leave your current job?
- What do you know about our company?
- What did you like best/least about your current/last job?
Have some perceptive questions ready to ask at the end of an interview. Ask questions
that demonstrate your knowledge of the firm or the industry, or clarify points about
the position that haven't already been covered. Have the names, addresses and titles
of two or three references ready (two of which should be work references). Don't
forget to ask their permission before you use them – you don't want them to be taken
by surprise by your prospective employer. Don't be late! If you don't know exactly
where you're going, have a trial run the day before.
If you're traveling by car or public transport allow yourself half an hour's extra
traveling time in case of delays.
Conclusion of the Interview
Write down the questions and review your responses, and decide whether there's anything
you could have answered differently. By the time your next interview comes around
you'll be even better prepared. It wouldn't hurt to send a thank-you letter to the
interviewer, confirming your interest in the position and stating your skills and
experience. If you don't get the job, it might be worth calling up the interviewer
and asking them for feedback. You will then be able to adapt your interview technique
accordingly and perform even better next time around.
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