Strategies
for a Successful Job Interview
The job interview is an extremely important
element of the employment process. It is vital that you create
the best possible impression in order to maximize your chances
of securing your dream position. If you are successful in the
first stage of the application process, you will probably be
short listed for a job interview. Prospective employers will
chose the best candidate based on this interview process. One
person may interview you, or alternatively, there may be a
panel of people interviewing you for the position.
The purpose of a job interview is to answer
questions about your interests, experiences and personality so
that the potential employer can develop a sense of how suitable
you may be for the position vacant. A job interview is actually
a two way process, which many people forget. In a sense, you
can interview the company about possible opportunities and the
services that the company provides. It is very important to
remember that even if you are not successful at interview, you
can ask for feedback so that you can improve in the future and
improve your chances of future success.
Presentation
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Dress neatly and in keeping with the role that you
are applying for.
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Carry a briefcase or satchel with extra copies of
your resume and perhaps a business card.
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Wear a suit and tie and shine your shoes.
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Make sure your hair is clean and neat.
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Don’t wear too much make-up.
Formality
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Be very polite and formal.
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Shake hands at the start and end of the interview
and thank your prospective employer for taking the
time to speak with you.
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Maintain good eye contact and sit straight.
Sell Your Strengths
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Emphasize your strengths as often as possible
throughout the interview, but don’t exaggerate.
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Memorize some key answers to questions that you
think may be asked of you and then restructure them
in the interview so that they connect with the
actual questions.
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Experience is very important, so for each answer
that you give, attempt to work in some examples of
actual experience that you have had.
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Speak with enthusiasm and expression.
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Pause before you speak and think carefully before
responding.
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Don’t talk too fast as this indicates a lack of
confidence and an inability to cope under pressure.
Research
Research the company or business. This can
help you to feel very prepared and confident prior to the
interview. Most companies will have a website with an About Us
page or brochures with details of the company. Go to the actual
premises before the interview to get a feel for the company and
learn the layout. Ask friends and business associates about the
business. Make a list of questions to ask about the
company.
Possible Interview
Questions
1. Why do you think you are the best
candidate for the position?
2. What do you know about our company?
3. Why do you want this job?
4. What experience do you have that is relevant to the
position?
5. Describe your best personal attributes?
6. What is your main weakness?
7. Give an example of a time when you worked well in a team to
achieve a goal.
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