Helpful Tips for the Interviewing Process:
Jobs are won and lost at the interviewing stage so it’s extremely important to make sure that you are well prepared. Below are some helpful tips on each stage of the interviewing process.
PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW:
1. Study the job description and be aware of the skills required for the particular position
2. Know your own goals and what you want to accomplish
3. Research the employer
- Their products, services, markets etc.
4. Prepare for common questions
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What is your greatest strength and weakness?
5. Prepare 2 – 3 achievements for each skill you think the employer will ask you questions on
- S = Situation
- T = Task
- A= Action
- R = Result
- Note: be sure to talk to your role (not the group)
6. Prepare 2 – 3 questions to ask the interviewer
- Ask about things you want to know, and not what you should already know
7. Arrive early
8. Bring your resume and a pad of paper and a pen
AT THE INTERVIEW:
1. Physical Presentation
- Dress professionally
- Smile, make eye contact, repeat the interviewer’s name
- Give a firm hand-shake
- Wait for a gesture or invitation to sit
- Sit in an alert but comfortable manner
- Avoid fidgeting or fussing with objects
- Avoid smoking and gum
- Look confident
2. Vocal Presentation
- Project honesty, candour, energy and enthusiasm
- Do not mumble, drop your voice to a whisper, answer in sing-song or monotone, use slang or overuse of “ums” and “uhs”
- Sound confident
3. Demeanour
4. Listening Skills
- Maintain good eye contact
- Indicate you’re listening with nods and smiles
- Do not interrupt the interviewer
- Ask for clarification if you are unclear
5. Communication Skills
- Mirror the style and pace of the interviewer
- Answer questions concisely and honestly without over-elaborating or rambling
- Answer questions in a logical structure
- Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your responses
- If you don’t know something say so
- Avoid negative topics
- If negatives come up in the interview, try to turn them into a positive
CONCLUSION OF THE INTERVIEW:
1. Shake hands and thank the interviewer for their time
2. Ask for a business card
3. If no indication has been made, ask what the next steps are in the interview process
AFTER THE INTERVIEW:
1. Send a short thank you letter
- Express appreciation for the interviewer’s time
- Reiterate your interest in the position and the company
- Briefly reiterate your qualifications
- Add any relevant details you omitted during the interview
- Close by thanking the interviewer again for their time & consideration
- Send the letter within 24 hours of the meeting
- Check the letter for spelling & grammar before sending
