How to Have the Perfect Interview

1. Find out what the company is like before you apply for the job. Are they really the kind of organisation you want to work for?

2. Write an effective CV. Keep it brief and simple – a badly written one will lose you the job before you get to the interview stage.

3. Discover as much as you can about the interview. This means finding out exactly who will be conducting the interview, what position they hold, and whether it’s an informal chat or a formal interview, possibly in front of several interviews.

4. Dress the part. Even if the job is in a modern company where the code is casual, you should dress formally for an interview – a suit is always safe. Never keep your overcoat or mac on during interview – this will make you an outsider from the start.

5. Think positively and confidently about yourself. From the moment you decide to apply for the job think about (and write down) all the qualities you have to offer the company as well as the reasons you would suit the job. Use the interview to discover as much about the job as possible. Even if they offer it to you on the spot ask for some time to consider their offer. Is it right for you AND them?

6. Be aware of your body language. Most interviewers don’t realize it but they’re influenced by your body language the moment you walk into the room. Be assertive, smile, look the interviewer in the eye, and give a firm handshake. Don’t lean too far over the desk or slump in the chair with your arms crossed. Practise your ‘entrance’ at home with a friend so you feel comfortable.

7. Keep a balance of power throughout the interview. Don’t be too timid or allow the interviewer to dominate you because an interview is a two-way process, and you’re to decide whether YOU want the job. It’s as important for you to ask questions about your potential job as it is for the interviewer to question you: But don’t be over-confident.

8. Keep calm before and during the interview. Three-quarters of people feel anxious about job interviews and their nervousness often lets them down. The key is to learn interview skills which are important as job skills, and control your nerves. Remember the interviewer may be nervous as well!

What reasons can you give for each piece of advice?

What are the most important pieces of advice?

What other advice would you give to someone going for a job interview?

Tell each other about any interview situation you have been in.

Here are some typical questions that an interviewer might ask.

Interview

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?

3. We have a lot of applicants for this job. Why should w appoint you?

4. What has been your most valuable experience?

5. How would you describe your personality?

6. When did you last lose your temper? Describe what happens.

7. Which is more important to you: status or money?

8. How long do you think you’d stay with us if you were appointed?

9. Why do you want to leave your present job?

10. What makes you think you’d enjoy working for us?

11. Are you an ambitious, keen and reliable person?

12. What would you like to be doing ten years from now?

13. What are you most proud of having done in your present job?

14. What was the worst problem you have had in your present job and how did you solve it?

15. What is the best idea you’ve had in the past months?

16. What is your worst fault and what is your best quality?

17. Don’t you think you’re a little young/old for this job?

18. What are your long-range goals?

19. Describe your present job – what do you find rewarding about it?

20. What do you do in your spare time?

21. What newspapers and magazines do you read?

22. Do you like traveling?

23. What excites you about the job you’re doing now?

24. What worries you about the job you’re doing now?

25. Describe your ideal boss.

26. How would you rate your present boss?

What are the most difficult questions you might be really asked?

What should you do to find a job? Find the logical sequence of the steps you should take.

- get an invitation for a interview

- make an appointment with an employment agency counselor

- read the classified ads

- think what kind of job you want

- analyse your skills, personality traits and accomplishments

- get ready for the interview

- find out what employment agency you can use

- find out as much as you can about the company