- Why Interview?
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Some dos and don’t
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General Hints
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After Your Interview
Why Interview?
Jobs are offered largely on the strength of a good performance at interview. If you have experience and the ability to do the job, do not allow your interview to let you down. Employers use the interview to find out more about you and to see if you’ll fit into their organisation.
The impression you give is up to you!
Some Dos and Don'ts
• don’t sit down until invited – or at least until the interviewer sits down
• don’t touch or lean on the interviewer’s desk or table
• don’t slouch in your chair, but do not sit nervously on the edge of it
• try not to show you are nervous by fidgeting
• show that you can listen, show positive interest by nodding
• do not smoke unless invited to do so
• look at the interviewer – not round the room or at your feet
• speak clearly
• ask about the job – intelligent questions about the job not only make a good impression but can provide you with information you need to help you decide whether the post is an appropriate one for you
• don’t swear – even mildly
• don’t interrupt the interviewer
• don’t interview the interviewer
• don’t argue with the interviewer and finally
• smile!
General Hints
• Treat the interview as an exchange of information. You will be asked details about yourself and told about the job on offer.
• Do not answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to questions. Try to give as much detail as you can – but don’t waffle!
• Be prepared to talk about yourself - your education, hobbies, interests, special achievements. This gives the employer an opportunity to find out more about you.
• Be prepared to cope with questions on weak or sensitive areas.
• Answer questions clearly and politely. Some interviewers may
appear aggressive or challenge your interest in the job - this will be to test your reaction and your degree of interest, so do not be put off, but remain calm and polite.
• Do not draw attention to any weaknesses but be ready with answers which show up your strong points especially those which are relevant to the job eg ‘I get on well with people’ or ‘I work well with figures’
• Don’t criticise present or past employers
• Towards the end of the interview you should be given the chance to ask questions yourself. Provided they have not been dealt with already, it is reasonable to ask about training, prospects, hours, wages or further education.
Remember!
Listen to what you are being asked: think before you answer.
After your Interview
It is not the end of the world if you are unsuccessful. It does not mean you are a failure – employers have a wide range of suitable people to choose from. Look on it as good practice since the more interviews you go to , the better your performance will become. Look at where you went wrong and learn from the experience.
Useful Links Going for an Interview - Young Person Job Interview - Adult