A job interview is the first step to help you get the job you want. To be successful at interviews, you must be prepared. Here are some tips to help you win at interviewing.

Preparation

• Research the company via the internet if possible.
• Assemble relevant information beforehand (eg. certificates, reference letters)
• Discuss why you applied for the position.
• Explain why you are the right candidate for the job.
• Be able to explain the skills and qualifications you have to offer the organisation.
• Be prepared to answer questions directed to you honestly and diligently.

Presentation

• You want to make an impression at interview. Always dress smart, wear clean clothes, hair to be neat and tidy, facial hair to be shaved or trimmed neatly.
• Don’t be late for the interview. Arriving 5-10 minutes early is usually best.
• Be polite and well mannered when introducing yourself to the Company. Always ensure you communicate to others with a smile at all times.
• Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact when being introduced to the Interviewer.
• Ensure you know how to pronounce the interviewer's name correctly.
• Be polite, personable and professional to all involved in the interview.
• Outline your achievements with previous employers.
• When asked a question, you can take the time to think through to ensure you provide the best answer.
• Answer all questions honestly and diligently.
• Don't discuss anything negative about your previous employers.
• Ask for a business card from your interviewer when the interview has concluded.
• At the end of the interview, ensure you thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time and for considering you in the shortlist. Enquire when you may expect to hear from them.

Questions you may wish to ask the Interviewer

• What will be the main challenges facing someone in this role?
• What will be the main priority for the new employee?
• Why has the position become vacant?
• Will the goals be clearly defined?
• How does the role fit in the structure of the business?
• How would you best describe the company's culture?
• Will there be training opportunities n the future?
• Who in general are your customers?
• What are the plans for the future of the company?

Common Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
  (This is a common question to loosen you up. Talk briefly about your qualifications and skills that relate to the job on offer)
• What made you apply for this position?
  (Talk about your career path and how the company will add to your development and also emphasise the positive influence that the company will give)
• What do you know about our company?
  (Be prepared for this question, everybody likes to know you have taken the time to understand them and so do company representatives. Do your research)
• What can you bring to this company?
  (Discuss your personal and professional qualities and also a commitment to assisting the company to achieve its goals)
• What has been your biggest achievement?
  (Select a recent achievement and talk about the positive benefits)
• Are you happy with your career to date
  (Be positive in your response but emphasise that you are looking for progression and you feel that you need to move on to achieve that)
• Tell me about a difficult situation you have had to face and overcome
  (Relate a situation that was not of your making and describe the problem, and what solution you applied to overcome it)
• What are your strengths
  (List only three or four and how those strengths could benefit the employer)
• What is your greatest weakness?
  (Do not say you have none, we are all human. Rather use professional weaknesses, lack of experience in a particular field that is not vital to the role, and explain how you are addressing it e.g. not seeking feedback from staff but I have instigated regular meeting to provide a forum for discussions)
• Do you work as a team player or independently?
  (A tricky question, be honest but also emphasise that if you prefer one style you are able to adapt and find both offer advantages and drawbacks)
• How would those who have worked with you previously describe you?
  (A chance to emphasise your personal qualities that relate to the job, good team player, even tempered and responsible
• Why do you want to leave your current position?
  (State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility and change of environment so you can continue to grow and you don’t think you can do that any longer in your current role)

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