Interview Tips

This list is provided as a basic guide to some of the basic dos and don'ts of interviewing. 

Do your homework

Make sure you use all the internet can offer to carry out thorough and exhaustive research of the company where you will be interviewing. That means a broad, deep search for relevant information about the position, the company, the industry and the interviewer if you can (your ALS Consultant will also give some background on the person interviewing you).  Make sure you link into any recent news releases. 

Plan and rest

It is vital to try to get a good night’s rest before an interview. You should consider planning what to wear and always get an early start! You do not want to arrive flustered and panicked.

Turn off your mobile phone

It’s simple but so many people forget and it is bound to distract the interviewer at best. Switch it off before you enter the room.

The handshake

A strong firm handshake (not bone crushing) will make a very good first impression on your interviewer. 

Smiling

Don’t underestimate the impact of a smile, it demonstrates to the interviewer that you are enthused and will probably make you feel more relaxed also. 

Posture

Stand and sit erect, show enthusiasm. A slouching posture can look listless and unengaged. Wait to be asked to sit down.

Eye Contact

Make sure you look the interviewer in the eye. Don't stare at the interviewer for minutes on end but make sure your eyes meet frequently. Avoid looking around the room while you are talking as this can convey nervousness or a lack of confidence with what is being discussed.

Hands/fidgeting

Gesturing or talking with your hands is natural and conveys enthusiasm about the subject being discussed. Do keep it in moderation however as getting carried away with hand gestures can be distracting.

Be concise

Make sure that you really listen to the question, answer the question and answer it concisely. Interview rambling and going off on a tangent is one of the most common blunders.  

Give good examples (see Competency-based interviews)

The easiest way to present yourself in the best possible light is to discuss situations you have been involved in previously where a good outcome resulted due to your actions. Have at least 6 key examples of specific workplace situations you can discuss to demonstrate to your interviewer where your key competencies lie.

Maintain your professionalism

An experienced interviewer will know how to put you at ease but don't relax too much, remember that it is still an interview, always maintain your professionalism.

Ask great questions

If you have done your homework thoroughly before the interview you will have already come up with some good questions as you make your notes along the process of preparing for your interview. Don't be afraid to clarify something with the interviewer, try to think on your feet and tie in what you've heard during the interview with what you've prepared. The interviewer will be impressed with your efforts.

Background Checks/Vetting

It is increasingly becoming industry practice to carry out background checks on any new employees joining a company. These checks are used by employers as a means of objectively evaluating a candidate's qualifications and to identify potential hiring risks. Background checks are usually administered by independent private companies. Results of background checks typically include past employment verification, qualification verification, credit score and criminal history.

This means that at some point during the interview process, usually towards the end, you may be asked to complete a background vetting form and provide at least 2 names of recent referees. If you are offered the job, the information on your CV will be cross-checked ie dates of when you started and finished, confirmation of job title, duties covered etc, be sure your CV is accurate. You should be prepared to give salary breakdown information on the vetting form. It is a good idea to let your referees know that they may have to give a verbal reference on you and to have all your educational and professional certificates to hand.

What the interviewer will be looking for

1. Do you have the skills to do the job?
2. Do you fit in the organisation?
3. Do you understand the company and its purpose?
4. How do you measure up against the competition?
5. Do you have the right mind-set for the job and company?
6. Do you want the job?

And lastly,

Contrary to popular belief the interviewer is not there to catch you out or make you feel uncomfortable. They genuinely want you to perform well. The most experienced interviewers realise that the more you put a candidate at ease, the more you'll get out of them. 

For further information, please visit this link: Job Interview Skills