Interview Tips
An interview gives you the chance to show off your qualifications to your potential employer. So it's worth coming in prepared. Here are some helpful tips to ace that interview.
Preparation & Research:
Tip 1: Know the company.
Research as much as you can about the company. Read up on the company's background, latest developments, structure and organization. Get brochures or even better, get their annual report.
Tip 2: Know your qualifications and job history.
Be ready to explain your work history in detail. Collect letters of testimonials and references. Do not just describe your responsibilities. Employers are more interested in what you've done for the company and how you helped accomplish their achievements.
Tip 3: Know the questions.
Create possible questions that might be asked. The most common question I can bet you'd definitely be asked is "Tell me about yourself". Its the question that most interviewee expect and the one they have most difficulty answering. Your response must support your job objective. This means you do not describe your hobbies, interests, etc. Tie your response to the needs of the hiring company.
Tip 4: Rehearse
Practice with a friend. Nothing beats more than being absolutely prepared.
Personal Appearance - First Impression Really Counts!
Tip 1: Be on time.
Arrive at least 10 minutes earlier. If you happen to be late, let them know how late you will be. If you will be more than 30 minutes late, its best to reschedule your interview to another day.
Tip 2: Dress. To kill.
Appropriately dress yourself according to the position you are seeking. The norm would be smart wear.
Tip 3: Grooming.
Do not smoke just before the interview. I know smokers tend to smoke just before the inerview to cool themselves down but the smell can really stick to your clothings and follow you through your interview. To be on the safe side, spray a decent amount of perfume (not too strong though!). Hair should also be neatly combed. For ladies, bun up that hair if you can't control it!
Tip 4: Body language.
This tells it all. The way you stand, sit, eye movements all the way to that last handshake. Send the right message by standing straight, walking confidently, sitting upright and leaning slightly forward in your chair. Develop an eye contact when communicating with the interviewer.
Preparation & Research:
Tip 1: Know the company.
Research as much as you can about the company. Read up on the company's background, latest developments, structure and organization. Get brochures or even better, get their annual report.
Tip 2: Know your qualifications and job history.
Be ready to explain your work history in detail. Collect letters of testimonials and references. Do not just describe your responsibilities. Employers are more interested in what you've done for the company and how you helped accomplish their achievements.
Tip 3: Know the questions.
Create possible questions that might be asked. The most common question I can bet you'd definitely be asked is "Tell me about yourself". Its the question that most interviewee expect and the one they have most difficulty answering. Your response must support your job objective. This means you do not describe your hobbies, interests, etc. Tie your response to the needs of the hiring company.
Tip 4: Rehearse
Practice with a friend. Nothing beats more than being absolutely prepared.
Personal Appearance - First Impression Really Counts!
Tip 1: Be on time.
Arrive at least 10 minutes earlier. If you happen to be late, let them know how late you will be. If you will be more than 30 minutes late, its best to reschedule your interview to another day.
Tip 2: Dress. To kill.
Appropriately dress yourself according to the position you are seeking. The norm would be smart wear.
Tip 3: Grooming.
Do not smoke just before the interview. I know smokers tend to smoke just before the inerview to cool themselves down but the smell can really stick to your clothings and follow you through your interview. To be on the safe side, spray a decent amount of perfume (not too strong though!). Hair should also be neatly combed. For ladies, bun up that hair if you can't control it!
Tip 4: Body language.
This tells it all. The way you stand, sit, eye movements all the way to that last handshake. Send the right message by standing straight, walking confidently, sitting upright and leaning slightly forward in your chair. Develop an eye contact when communicating with the interviewer.
