 |
 |
 |
  |
|
|
|
|
|
- Interview Tips |
|
         |
|
Step 1: Preparing for an interview Before attending any interview, we strongly recommend that you plan your preparation to make the best presentation of yourself to a future employer. First impressions count! Here are some useful tips and guidelines... Interview Preparation Research on your part is vital. Gather some background information about the company; this will enable you to understand how the job for which you are applying fits in to the overall picture. For example, most businesses and organisations now have web sites, so it is usually easy to familiarise yourself with the company. If not, then ask if any general information is available for you to read before you attend for an interview. JNF can help you with gaining information. Think about questions! It may sound like stating the obvious, but it is worth remembering that interviews are a two-way process: the interviewer has to decide which applicant best suits their needs but the interviewee also has to decide if the position matches what they are looking for. This means that it is as important for you to ask relevant questions as it is to answer them. Try to anticipate what questions you are likely to be asked, as well as thinking about what you want to find out about. For example:
Remember: Listening is at least as important as speaking! Be attentive to what you are being asked. You will learn more, come across as more relaxed and confident, and keep the interview flowing if you use 'open' questions ("What...?" "Why...?" "How...?) and supplementary questions or interjections such as "For instance...?" or "Could you tell me more...?". 'Closed' questions are those that require only a "Yes" or "No". If tests - such as an ability, aptitude or psychometric test - are to form part of your interview, you will normally be told about this beforehand. Don't be nervous about this. JNF staff can give you any advice you may need to prepare yourself. Click here if you'd like to see some further information. Step 2: Interview day What to bring with you to your interview:
A word of advice: Always allow yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. Being in a rush only adds to tension, so check out routes and/or public transport timetables well in advance. It is also worth checking the travel news on the day of your interview. Your appearance is important. You know from your own experience that first impressions count in every situation so give yourself an advantage by dressing appropriately and paying attention to appearance. The purpose of the interview, as far as you're concerned, is to use the opportunity to convince the interviewer that you are the right person for the job. Looking the part will help to establish this in the interviewer's mind. As far as choice of outfit is concerned, bear in mind the practicalities - if your favourite suit is cream linen and getting to your interview entails a half-hour journey, you will not arrive looking fresh and crease-free! Colour choice is very individual and for that reason, many people opt to wear safe, neutral colours such as navy, beige, black or grey. However, wearing a bright, complementary accessory can be a smart move: research has shown that this benefits both males and females because it is an individual touch which often helps the interviewer to remember you more easily because it can help you to stand out from the crowd without overdoing it or appearing pushy. Arrive 10 minutes before your interview and use this time to read any company literature, newsletters or notice boards in the reception area. Hopefully you will have gained some background information on the company well in advance of your interview but it is always worth a quick update! There are three ways in which people communicate face-to-face: body language, tone of voice and what is actually said. So think about your body language and make sure it's positive by smiling, giving a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact and keeping your posture open - no tightly clenched arms and crossed legs! Use tone of voice to convey genuine interest in what is being said and if you are offered a drink, accept it - not only will it help prevent your voice drying up, it will probably make you feel a little more at ease. Remember, however, that you are not there for a cosy chat. A few other points to bear in mind:
Careers Advice | Interview Tips | Help with writing your CV Aptitude & Assessment Tests | Useful Links |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
