Preparing for a Job Interview
Congratulations on your job Interview! Your CV has clearly done the trick, along with your perfectly worded and motivated cover letter!
Your foot is in the door and now by simply following Jobs.co.za's useful tips on preparing for your job interview, you'll be well on your way through the doors of your new position. The most successfully handled job interviews are those that are conducted with the intention of convincing the interviewer that you know what they are looking for and that you have what it takes.
A job interview is the perfect opportunity for you to make you skills and abilities shine by using your sparkling personality. An interviewer is looking to see a little bit about who you are, how well you will fit into their culture, where your weaknesses lie and what goals you have for the future. Sound terrifying? Don't panic until you have checked out our Top Ten Tips on Preparing for a Job Interview and see that job interviews are just another part of the process to getting a great job.
Know The Company Interviewing You.
Always research the company who will be interviewing you. Have a look at the company's profile on their website and make sure you know the core business and their objectives. Memorise a list of their top clients and express your interest in working with these brands. By presenting your knowledge and showing interest in the company that is interviewing you, not only provides for interesting conversational topics in which to display your knowledge, but also presents you with credibility and foresight.
Know Where The Interview Is.
Make sure you have the correct physical address, contact number and directions to the exact location of your interview. There is nothing more unprofessional that a candidate arriving late for a job interview, let alone flustered, sweaty and disorientated. Rather arrive at the interview early and have spare time to compose yourself, catch your breath and take one final look at yourself before stepping into the interview room.
Dress for Job Interview Success.
Always apply a simple rule; Rather be overdressed for a job interview than under-dressed. Although you want to achieve a smart and sophisticated look you also want to avoid looking too rigid and unapproachable to the interviewer. Try to stick to classic styles and colours without overcomplicating things with distracting accessories.
Interview Practice Makes Perfect.
As any great salesman would prepare for a sales pitch, so would you when going into a job interview to sell your skills. Such practice should be followed when preparing for a job interview. Prepare answers for common interview questions that the interviewer might ask as well as rehearse answers for more challenging questions that might throw you, such as what are your weaknesses. It is also recommended that you prepare a brief list of questions to ask the interviewer regarding the role which you are being interviewed for or for further company information.
Prepare an Interview CV.
While a customised CV works in getting you the job interview, now is a good opportunity to present the interviewer with an opportunity to peruse deeper into your working history. In order to prepare for any eventuality organise a broader CV detailing all of your previous working history should the interviewer wish to know more detail. It is also imperative that you are fully aware of all of the details within your CV so that should anything be questioned you are able to provide a concise explanation.
Prepare References Prior to the Job Interview.
Prior to your job interview it's a good idea to compile a comprehensive list of relevant testimonial references for your interviewer to contact. These references should be credible and a reliable source of truthful information regarding your work ethics and credibility. Always check-in with these references before your interview to make sure that their contact details are still valid and that they are still available to stand as a reference for you.
Don't Forget All Necessary Documentation.
To save time and to once again display your enthusiasm and attention to detail, take along all of the necessary documentation that the interviewer might ask for. Remember to bring along a copy of your ID document or passport as well as any relevant certificates and qualifications.
Prepare a Self Selling Sales Pitch.
This is sometimes referred to as an elevator speech and its does just that, elevates you.
An interviewer wants to know why they should specifically hire you and what sets you aside from the lengthily list of other capable candidates. By preparing a thirty second sales pitch about who you are, what makes you unique and what strengths you posses that makes you ideal to fill the position.
Body Language for Buff Interviews.
Not only are human beings able to communicate verbally, but by non verbal communication as well. By non verbal I'm naturally referring to body language and the messages we send via our body language during a job interview. Based on our posture, handshake, eye contact and movements, hand placement and gestures, job interviewers are able to read more about your personality than you may be aware of.
Relax During The Interview.
Provided that you have been honest and in your CV as well as your cover note, there are no wrong answer that you can give during any job interview you are faced with. Remember that although you are the one being interviewed, this is just as much of an opportunity for you to assess whether or not this is the right place for you to work or not. Try to relax and enjoy the interview process and believe that the skill you own is good enough.
Walk into any job interview with the notion that the company who is interviewing you really want YOU to be the right candidate for them so that they can put an end to their search for the ideal person to fill the role.
