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Going for an interview can be an intimidating task for any individual; you need to ensure that you are prepared for the task ahead. The more you prepare the easier the task will be.
Below is a list of things you can do to ensure you prepare adequately to get that dream job.
Research the Company
You need to thoroughly understand what your prospective employer does and how they do things. This will also give you an indication if you would like to work for the company based on the industry they operate in.
Practice Your Responses
There are basic questions that you can prepare for prior to the interview. By doing so half the battle has been won and the rest of the questions will relate to your work experience and industry knowledge. Being honest and spontaneous will get you through this process.
Dress the Part for an interview
The saying “First impressions last” is very true when going for an interview. You need to ensure that you are well groomed, hair is neat, nails are clean and power dressed for the occasion. Avoid strong colognes/perfumes and wearing anything that will distract the interviewer.
Behave appropriately
Interviews can make any work experienced linchpin nervous. This is easily picked up through your body language. Body language says a lot about a person’s persona; so sit up and avoid fidgeting at all costs. When engaging with the interviewers maintain eye contact without staring.
Get organised before the interview
Prepare questions you would like to ask the interviewer in advance, you can type out the list of questions and insert them in folder. Being organised is a guaranteed tick in the box.
Top 10: CV Structure Tips
1. Present your CV in a professional manner as this is the first thing the employer will see prior to setting up an interview
2. Ensure that there is enough information on your CV, 3 – 4 pages should be sufficient but remember to keep it simple as well
3. Use a logical and easy to read format
4. Use simple and professional font types; fonts like News Times Roman and Arial are easy to read
5. List your skills, competencies and experience, as most employers need to know if you can execute the job
6. Ensure that your CV is achievement orientated
7. Avoid adding misleading information on your CV as the employer will make reference checks, if the references do not check out you will be seen as deceitful and unemployable
8. Double check punctuation, spelling and grammar to ensure that there are no mistakes, the last thing an employer is looking for is an employee that cannot cross the “t’s” and dot the “i’s”
9. Remember that your CV is a selling tool and it is selling you as a brand
10. Now, make sure you can back up all the information on your CV.
Top 10 Questions
1. Tell us about yourself?
This should be a 2/3 minute overview of who you are and why you are the best candidate for the job
2. What do you know about the organisation?
Do some research on the company prior to the interview; understand where they have been and where they are going.
3. What is your greatest weakness?
Do not deceive the interviewers by selecting one of your strengths and presenting it as a weakness, rather talk about a true weakness and communicate how you are overcoming it.
4. What experience do you have in this field?
Base your answer on the position you are applying for and if you do not have any experience try not to deviate from the question by using applicable examples that relate to problem solving.
5. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Elaborate on your passion, ambition and drive without being overly zealous.
6. Why did you leave your last job / Why do you want to leave your current employer?
You need to stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Do not use this as a platform to speak negatively about your previous manager/supervisor, so highlight positive reasons for wanting to join the organisation rather than reasons for leaving or wanting to leave.
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Include activities that relate to your job and how that helped you deliver good work.
8. Why do you want to work for this organisation?
Your response should also be based on the research you would have done on the company, relate this answer to your long term goals and how you will fit in the organisation.
9. Explain how you would be an asset to the organisation. This is the ideal time for you to highlight your best qualities and sell yourself as brand that will be of great value to the organisation.
