How to prepare for a job interview
The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview, writes Barry Whelan
Print16 August 2010
Before an interview find out as much key information as you can about the company, its products and its customers. If possible, talk to people who work at the company. There may be other sources of information on the Web, especially if the company is publicly traded.
Search for the following:
• Office locations • Philosophy
• Products and services • History
• Financial info, including • Recent news
salary and stock • Competitors
Prepare for the actual interview:
• Practice your answers to common interview questions. Likewise, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. Most interviews follow this pattern: First, you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, and then you ask questions about the job.
• Rehearse your interview with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent information about yourself in 15 minutes.
• Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several copies of your resumé, a list of references, and, if appropriate, any work samples. Make sure they are all up-to-date.
• Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively.
Search for the following:
• Office locations • Philosophy
• Products and services • History
• Financial info, including • Recent news
salary and stock • Competitors
Prepare for the actual interview:
• Practice your answers to common interview questions. Likewise, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. Most interviews follow this pattern: First, you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, and then you ask questions about the job.
• Rehearse your interview with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent information about yourself in 15 minutes.
• Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several copies of your resumé, a list of references, and, if appropriate, any work samples. Make sure they are all up-to-date.
• Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively.
For women:
• A straight-forward business suit is best
• Wear sensible shoes
• Be moderate with make-up and perfume
• Wear simple jewellery
• Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed
For men:
• A clean, ironed shirt and conservative tie are a must
• A simple jacket or business suit is a good idea as well
• Shoes should be polished
• Face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed
• Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed
• Use cologne or after-shave sparingly.
• Bring pen and notepad to jot down any information you may need to remember (but don’t take notes during the interview).
Before the Interview:
• Be on time. Being on time (or early) is usually interpreted by the interviewer as evidence of your commitment, dependability, and professionalism.
• Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable. Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. Don’t make negative comments about current or former employers.
• Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. And remember, the interviewer is just as nervous about making a good impression on you.
During the Interview:
• Show self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer his questions in a clear voice. Work to establish a rapport with the interviewer.
• Remember to listen. Communication is a two-way street. If you are talking too much, you will probably miss cues concerning what the interviewer feels is important.
• Reflect before answering a difficult question. If you are unsure how to answer a question, you might reply with another question. For example, if the interviewer asks you what salary you expect, try answering by saying “That is a good question. What are you planning to pay your best candidate?”
• When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance. These should cover any information about the company and job position you could not find in your own research.
• Do not ask questions that raise red flags. Ask, “Is relocation a requirement?” and the interviewer may assume that you do not want to relocate at all. Too many questions about holidays may cause the interviewer to think you are more interested in taking time off than helping the company. Make sure the interviewer understands why you are asking these questions.
• Show you want the job. Display your initiative by talking about what functions you could perform that would benefit the organisation, and by giving specific details of how you have helped past employers. You might also ask about specific details of the job position, such as functions, responsibilities, who you would work with, and who you would report to.
• Avoid negative body language. An interviewer wants to see how well you react under pressure. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:
• Frequently touching your mouth
• Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
• Gnawing on your lip
• Tight or forced smiles
• Swinging your foot or leg
• Folding or crossing your arms
• Slouching
• Avoiding eye contact
• Picking at invisible bits of lint
After the Interview:
• End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time. Reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications. Ask if you can telephone in a few days to check on the status of your application. If they offer to contact you, politely ask when you should expect the call.
• Send a “Thanks for the interview” note. After the interview, send a brief thank-you note. Try to time it so it arrives before the hiring decision will be made.
• Follow up with a phone call to your recruitment consultant if you are not contacted within a week of when the interviewer indicated you would be.
Next month, Common Interview Questions
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