Preparing for Interviews

The interview is your chance to make your skills and experience come to life in a face-to-face situation.

These hints, combined with the guidance provided by our consultants, will equip you with valuable information on how to prepare for interviews.

Preparation

  • Research the company well. Get a copy of the corporate profile and find out as much as possible about the company's services, products, size, philosophy etc. You will impress with your conscientiousness.
  • Be aware of your strengths. Feel comfortable talking about your strengths in relation to the position you are applying for. How will they benefit the position and the company?
  • List at least three things about the job which are important to your success and happiness i.e.
    • It will utilise your communication and management skills
    • You prefer working in a company of this size
    • The product / service is of interest
  • Know your resume. Predict potential sticky questions and have appropriate and positive answers ready.
  • Check facts such as your availability and how much notice you have to give your current employer.
  • Notify your referees. Outline to them the position you are applying for so they can talk about your relevant strengths.
  • Think carefully about your remuneration expectations, not just in dollar terms but the total package - base salary plus benefits.
  • Dress in appropriate attire. Pay attention to all facets of your presentation and grooming.


The Interview

  • Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
  • Greet the interviewer by his/her name if you are sure of the pronunciation. Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times.
  • Be an effective listener as well as an informative talker. Don't forget to smile!
  • Answer questions directly. Be specific with your examples - remember, talking about past work related experience is the best way to convince someone of your skills and strengths.
  • Try to determine if it is a good fit for you both personally and professionally. Is the job right? Is the company culture right for you as an individual?
  • Don't answer questions with a simple yes or no. Elaborate wherever possible and give relevant, specific examples.
  • Do make sure you portray your good points to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone need to sell yourself in an interview.
  • Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully, and as 'to the point' as possible.
  • If you are interested, declare your interest - let them know you are keen.
  • Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you.


Things to Watch

During the interview, the employer will be evaluating your negative factors as well as your positive attributes. Listed below are negative factors frequently evaluated during interviews - those that most often lead to rejection.

  • Poor personal appearance.
  • Overbearing behaviour.
  • Inability to express thoughts clearly.
  • Lack of career planning - no goals, lack of interest and enthusiasm, lack of confidence, nervousness.
  • Over-emphasis on money - interested primarily in remuneration.
  • Evasive behaviour - don't make excuses for unfavourable factors in work history.
  • Condemnation of previous employers.


After the Interview

If your interview has been organised by ODG Recruitment International, call the Consultant after the interview to provide feedback.