Interview Tips

Interview Tips

The interview is the brief period where the employer makes the decision on whether you would be a suitable employee for their organisation. This is a critical time when you need to make the best impression. Here are some tips to help you through this.

Things to Do:

• Be punctual - arrive at least 15 minutes early before your appointment, clearly introduce yourself and the purpose of your visit ;
• Be professional - be pleasant to everyone you meet from the moment you step into the premises, till the time you walk out ;
• Dress appropriately – Ask your Consultant which clothes would be suited to that particular environment ;
• Pay attention to what the interviewer is saying; take interest in what is being said ;
• Be confident about yourself the interviewer will pick up on this and they to will be confident about you. Good posture and eye contact are essential ;
• Smile, it says a thousand words ;
• Speak clearly, to the point and be truthful ;
• Be formal, even if the employer is relaxed, they are still assessing you as a potential employee ;
• Be prepared for your interview. This means be knowledgeable about the company ;
• Review the Client Web Site prior to leaving for the interview. This will help arm you for any questions they may ask ;
• When you are asked,  show the employer that you are keen on the position ;
• Know your strengths, weaknesses and goals, this is a commonly asked question in interviews ;
• Have some of your experiences prepared in your mind that relate directly to the position you are going for ; and
• Provide examples to support your answers experience that relates directly to the job you are going for, skills you have developed from previous employment and accomplishments.

Things not to Do:

• Go unprepared. A lack of understanding of the position and the company will lead to poor answers to questions asked ;
• Be nervous. Although this may seem quite difficult at the time, remember that you will answer accurately when you are focused on the questions being asked. If you do start feeling nervous, just take a moment and take a deep breath. Remember, if you don’t know the answer to a particular question, just say so. Don’t panic, this will take a lot of pressure off you ;
• Be negative about yourself. Think in a “Can Do” attitude ; and
• Put down your current or previous employers, their procedures or company. Always be positive.

Questions you may want to ask an employer:

• What is the next step in the hiring process?
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
• How is an employee evaluated and promoted? When does this occur?
• Do you offer any training programs to your staff?
• What are the company's plans for future growth?
• Is there a high turnover of staff? If so, why?
• What are the company's strengths?
• What does the company wish to improve on?
• Can you tell me what kind of work environment it is?
• What qualities are important to you?

After the interview it is important that you contact Command as soon as possible to discuss how you feel the interview went and what your thoughts on the position on offer are. It is important for us discuss your level of interest including any negatives in order for us to service you best!