There are three key things to remember when it comes to job interviews:
- Presentation - first impressions last. The interviewer will expect to see your smartest, most professional side.
- Punctuality - allow plenty of time. Be punctual. If you do find yourself unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately, giving reason and your estimated time of arrival.
- Conduct - be alert and enthusiastic on the first meeting and maintain a high level of eye contact. It is often the candidate who has shown the most interest that is successful.
If you have any reservations about the role/company, don’t show them at the job interview. They may elaborate on details at a later stage that revives your interest, but by then your chance will have been lost. Remember - you can always turn down second job interviews and job offers if you are not interested in the role.
If the interviewer opens a discussion on salary, always indicate a range rather than a specific salary, so that your options remain open for negotiation.
Some more handy job interview tips:
- Find out as much as possible about the company through its website (corporate history, press releases, reports and reviews, it’s brands, products, offices and stores).
- Know the name and title of the person you are meeting with for the job interview.
- Make sure you review your CV and have positive answers if the interviewer wants more detail on the information you have supplied.
- Be prepared to talk about problem solving, which tasks you performed well, specific strengths and skills and why you enjoyed various aspects of your previous positions.
- Read the job description carefully and think of ways in which your experience would benefit the company and where the challenges may lie for you.
- Don’t forget that listening is as important as speaking!
- Prepare the questions that you want answered and ask them at the end of the job interview.
- Don’t worry about having job interview nerves to some degree - it is only natural.
- Remember - preparation is the key to feeling comfortable in the interview environment.
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