How to survive an Interview!

Interview Basics

It’s still expected that formal business dress is worn for interviews: suit or jacket/ trousers and tie. Even the nicest Cardigan just won’t cut it!
Novelty ties and socks are also no no’s
Many people spend more time preparing a car for sale. You need your own wash and wax – spoil yourself – look good, feel great – Including shoes and nails. Don’t forget it’s a job interview, not a filming day for Pop Idol or the X-Factor!
Don’t smoke just before or during a meeting
Don’t “bad-mouth” your ex-boss/ employer
Don’t be over familiar – It’s a job interview –
Turn off your mobile phone or turn to silent – the interviewing needs to know that they are THE most important person at the meeting.
Prepare by looking at websites, reading the press, company literature. Don’t just print it out, they may ask questions.
Take a look at their competitors’ information too
Take a pen a notebook to write down salient points
Write down questions beforehand – plenty of examples are given below

What do you know about our company?
What is your understanding of the role you are applying for?
What interests you most about the company?
Tell me a little about your work history to date?
What were/are your main duties and responsibilities in your current/last role?
Which aspects of the role do/did you enjoy the most/ least?
What do you want to avoid in your next job?
Why did you leave or are you leaving your previous/current position?
What compliments have you received for your work to date?
What comments were mentioned at your last appraisal?
How do you cope when working under pressure?(Give examples if possible)
What kind of supervision brings out the best in you?
What kind of people do you like to work with?
What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
(weaknesses need to be portrayed in a positive light – perhaps a weakness you have already overcome or learnt how to handle)
How do you handle direction?
How do you feel when left to do a task without supervision?
What can you bring to this organisation?
What personal characteristics would best suit this role in your opinion?
What are your career aspirations?
How would your boss describe you?
Is there any aspect of this role that you are unsure about?
What is your greatest success/achievement?
How do you feel about persons with backgrounds and interests different to your own?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

If you are interested, don’t be afraid to tell them

Where do we go from here?
Are there any reasons, that we can discuss today why you wouldn’t offer me the job?
Do you have any reservations? What are they?
Is there anyone else who needs to see me?
When can this happen?

If they are seeing other job applicants:

“People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan”