Interview Tips

Wear clothing that indicates you are ready to go to work today.

What to Say

Introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during conversation. Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research. Give a two-minute commercial.

Answer questions with:

• “Yes, for example (accomplishment/result statement)” and
• “No, however (accomplishment/result statement)”
• Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally.
• Give positive answers to negative-based questions.
• Ask the recruiter prepared questions.
• Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is.
• Ask for the recruiter’s business card for future contact. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion.

What to Do

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
• Use time wisely to review employer research information.
• Have a pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates a lack of preparation.
• Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s complete question before responding.
• If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions.
• Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake.
• Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organised in a portfolio.
• Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits.

25 things to avoid in an Interview

1. Poor personal appearance.
2. Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent.
3. Over-emphasis on the money.
4. Criticism of past employer.
5. Poor eye contact with the interviewer.
6. Late to interview.
7. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time.
8. Asks no questions about the job.
9. Unwillingness to relocate.
10. Indefinite answer to a question.
11. Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with “know-it-all” complex.
12. Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar.
13. Lack of planning for a career, no purpose or goals.
14. Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease.
15. Failure to participate in activities.
16. Expects too much too soon.
17. Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record.
18. Lack of tact.
19. No courtesy, ill-mannered.
20. Lack of vitality.
21. Lack of maturity.
22. Sloppy application form.
23. No interest in the company or industry.
24. Cynical.
25. Intolerant, strong prejudices.

Closing the Interview

1. Toward the end of the interview is when the interviewer will be most impressed with you. As soon as you leave, the memory of you will begin to fade. This is the time to gain the most commitment from the interviewer, either an offer or to progress to the next stage of selection.
2. Are you interested in the position? Make this clear and always ask for it, even if your consultant has told you additional interviews are required.
3. If you are offered the position and wish to accept – do so immediately; if you wish to think it over, ask for the offer in writing.
4. No offer is made? Don’t be discouraged. Often the interviewer may have several candidates to see before a decision can be made. Ask how you compare to candidates seen so far, and if you have demonstrated that you can do the job.
5. Ask what reservations, if any, the interviewer may have about you.
6. Summarise the interview briefly, confirming that all relevant points have been covered and how your abilities match the needs of the employer.
7. Ensure you have covered the following before leaving the interview:
   1. Why you are interested in the position and company.
   2. What you have to offer the company.
   3. You CAN and WANT to do the job. Provided you have covered these points you have done all you can.
8. Thank the interviewer for their time and considering you for the position.
   

CV Tips

Interview Tips

View Vacancies

Submit Timesheet