Interview

BESPOKE INTERVIEW ADVICE

It has finally happened. You have been asked in for an interview. Congratulations!

This guide is designed to assist and help prepare you for a successful interview, as they can be stressful. Although it may not entirely relieve the anxiety associated with the interview process, following these guidelines will increase your effectiveness in the interview.

Remember, the potential employer is actually on your side. He/She has a need and has every reason to hope that you will be the one to successfully fill it.

PRESENTATION

  • Immaculate presentation creates an immediate positive impression.
  • Professional and businesslike attire is always recommended.
  • On an interesting note, navy is the colour most often associated with successful interviews.
  • Avoid clutter – a single file, briefcase, handbag are the only things which should accompany you into the interview. Put keys, switch off cell phones etc away prior to the commencement of the interview.
  • Select Motor Recruitment will send your CV through to the client prior to the interview so it should not be necessary to take a lot of information with you.

TIMEOUSNESS

  • It is essential to arrive on time. If delays are unavoidable phone the client or Select Motor Recruitment to re-schedule – do not risk being late.
  • Being punctual creates a good first impression, makes you feel more in control and more confident for the eventual interview.
  • If you are unsure of the exact location of the company, allow yourself plenty of time “getting lost time”.





PREPARATION AND RESEARCH

  • Obtain as much information as possible from the company prior to the interview. Select Motor Recruitment will be able to assist you (check internet if possible).
  • Additional research will pay dividends as an informed approach always creates a positive impression.
  • Your knowledge of the company and its activities will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a real interest in the job.

INTERVIEW CONDUCT

  • Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and introduce yourself and ensure that you know his/her correct name and position in the company.
  • Make eye contact frequently during the interview especially when answering questions.
  • Listen carefully to questions asked and answer them clearly, concisely and factually, do not waffle or evade questions.
  • Do not criticize your previous employers, rather give constructive reasons for your move.
  • Be positive – confidence sells – even if you do not have all the skills required, assure the interviewer you are able to acquire the skills needed.
  • Don’t presume the interviewer has read your CV in detail – tell him what skills and experience you have, what targets and deadlines you had, your ability to work independently as well as team work, any overtime you may have worked etc.
  • Be alert, do not slouch or become too relaxed.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Do not interrupt the interviewer.
  • Reflect your interest in the position (eg. Yes, I would consider/accept the position if it were offered to me).

ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY

  • This demonstrates your interest and sincerity.
  • If you have researched the organisation, this allows you to ask informed questions.
  • Areas which may be of interest to you and which the interview could include:
  1. Company plans (growth, restructure, diversification, etc)
  2. Promotional prospects
  3. How the position arose (newly created, resignation, promotion etc)

Once again, this demonstrates that you are sincere about the job application.

THE NINE SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING

  1. What you wear is as IMPORTANT as what you say.
  2. Your body language sends “signals” to everyone you meet.
  3. First and last impressions do count.
  4. Always fill out company applications completely.
  5. Interviewing is a numbers game, so know your numbers.
  6. There are only 20 basic questions asked during any interview.
  7. How you answer those 20 basic questions asked, can give or take away your competitive edge.
  8. Your purpose with every interview is to get an offer .
  9. Second interviews are as important as the first.

TWENTY BASICS

  1. Tell me about yourself “Stick to Business”.
  2. Where do you see yourself one year from now, or what are your career goals? “Be honest but be generic”.
  3. What do you expect from a job? “Be honest”.
  4. What is your best quality, or what is your greatest asset? “Use a quality that would be beneficial to the interviewer”.
  5. What is a quality you need to develop, or what is your worst quality? “Positive/Negative”.
  6. What would you consider an ideal job for you? “Don’t be specific, “generalise”.
  7. Give 2 reasons why I should hire you. “Use words i.e. Loyal, dependable, team player, dedicated, organised, etc.
  8. What do you know about our company? What can you do for us? “Do your homework”.
  9. What kind of salary are you looking for? “Do not discuss salary. Position is more important”.
  10. Would you consider less? “Respond with a question: What figure did you have in mind”.
  11. What have you done that shows initiative? “Give an example that shows an ability you would use in the position”.
  12. Who has influenced your life? “Be prepared – write a name and reason why”.
  13. How do you define success? “Sincere and to the point”.
  14. What major problems have you faced in your career and how have you solved them? “Give an example and explain how you solved it”.
  15. Which is more important? Money or the type of job? “Remember the job is always more important”.
  16. Why have you held so many (or so few) jobs in the past six years? “If this applies, be prepared”.
  17. What did you like most/least about your last job? “This answer should fit the job”.
  18. Why did you leave? “Sometimes they ask about each job, so be prepared”.
  19. Why did you move? (If you relocated).
  20. What did you like most/least about your last manager? “Be careful about being negative”.

99% OF ALL INTERVIEWS, THE EMPLOYER ASKS, “DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ? ” WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

FIVE QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK

  1. “Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?”.
  2. “Can you tell me what the person was like who formerly held this job?.
  3. “Could you describe a typical work day?”.
  4. “If you could describe the personality that would best fit the job, what would it be?”.
  5. “What do you think is the best and worst thing about this particular position?.

SUMMARY

Women look best in a suit and conservative blouse. (Nothing low cut, nothing see-through). Wear a moderate amount of make-up Men should wear a suit, long sleeved pressed shirt, a clean tie that hangs to the belt and polished shoes.

YOUR PURPOSE WITH EVERY INTERVIEW IS TO GET AN OFFER. GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!!!