A Guide To: Interviews
Preparation for Interview
Preparation is the first, essential step towards a successful interview – clients are continually amazed at the number of candidates who have not prepared and possess little or no information about them.
Simple but routinely forgotten points to remember include:
Ensure that you know the exact location and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, correct pronunciation and title.
Find out specific, relevant facts about the company; where its offices are located, what its products and services are, what its growth has been and what its growth potential is for the future. Useful sources of such information include:
Refresh your memory regarding the facts and figures on your current/former employer. You’ll be expected to know a lot about a company that you’ve previously worked for.
Prepare the questions you want to ask and remember that an interview is a two way process. The interviewer will try to determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job – you must determine through questioning whether the company will provide the opportunity for growth and development that you’re looking for.Questions to ask might include:
What exactly will the role entail?
Why is the position available?
What is the broad culture of the company?
What induction and training programmes do you offer?
What sort of people have done well in this sort of role previously?
Are there advanced training programmes available for those who demonstrate outstanding ability?
What are the company’s key objectives for the next 3 years?
What are its best-selling products or services?
Always adhere to smart business dress. Don’t wear casual clothes, even if you know it’s company policy.
The interview
Remember that you are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to fill a vacancy. Through the interaction that will take place the interviewer will be assessing your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, specific characteristics will be probed such as attitude, aptitude, stability, motivation and maturity.
Listed below are some key “do’s” and don’ts” concerning the interview:
DO arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
DO fill out an application form you’re presented with neatly and completely. If you have a personal résumé, be sure that the person to whom you release it is the person who will actually do the hiring.
DO greet the interviewer by their surname. If you aren’t completely sure of the pronunciation, ask them to repeat it.
DO shake hands firmly.
DO wait until offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, and look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker – smile.
DO look a prospective employer in the eye when conversing with them.
DO follow the interviewer’s leads but try to obtain a full description of the position and duties expected early in the interview, so that you can effectively relate your appropriate background and skills.
DO make sure that your strengths are presented to the interviewer in a factual and sincere manner. It’s important to remember that you can only sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits that you can offer to the organisation.
DO be prepared to answer typical questions like:
What kind of job are you looking for?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What do you know about the company?
Why did you choose your particular vocation?
What are your qualifications?
DO conduct yourself at all times as if you’re determined to get the job you’re discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity. It’s better to be in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs, rather than only one.
DON’T smoke, even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette.DON’T answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. Explain whenever possible and describe those things about yourself which relate to the position.DON’T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and to the point at all times.DON’T make derogatory remarks about your present or former employees.DON’T over-answer questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. These questions can be controversial and it is best to answer questions honestly, trying not to say more than is necessary.DON’T enquire about salary, holidays or bonuses at the initial interview, unless you are certain the interviewer is interested in hiring you. However, you should be aware of your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.
Closing the Interview
If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage, if applicable. Should the interviewer offer you the position and you want it – accept on the spot. If you would like some time to think the offer over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you will provide an answer.
Don’t be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult with colleagues first or interview other candidates before making a decision.
If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while, an interviewer who is genuinely interested in hiring you may appear to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
Thank the interviewer for taking the time to see you.
Be prepared to answer the following types of question:
Why did you choose a career in IT/Telecoms?
Why would you like to work for the company?
How do you envisage your career will have progressed in five years time?
When was your last salary review?
What style of management gets the best results from you?
What interests you about the company’s products/services?
What have you learned from the previous jobs you have had?
Which did you enjoy the most and why?
What have you done in your career that shows initiative?
What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
What do you think will determine a person’s progress in a good company?
Are you willing to relocate?
What are your hobbies?
What does teamwork mean to you?
Negative Factors to Watch for!
During the course of an interview, your negative factors, in addition to your positive attributes, will be evaluated. Listed below are those that are most likely to lead to rejection.
Poor personal appearance.
An overbearing, aggressive or conceited attitude.
Inability to clearly express thoughts, poor grammar and diction.
Lack of planning for career.
Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
Lack of confidence.
Over-emphasis on money.
Making excuses for unfavourable factors in your record.
Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.
Failure to look the interviewer in the eye.
Limp handshake.
Failure to ask good questions about the job and company.
Overall lack of preparation.
