Job interview never seems to get any easier. Maybe you are trying to get your first job, perhaps
you are returning to the workplace, or maybe you are a seasoned executive
taking another step up the career ladder, either for IT jobs or any other. You would be meeting new people, selling
yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you
know or don't know. Here are some job interview tips to help prepare you for the
interview effectively.
Make your research
We are afraid of what we don't know or what we can't
control. Dispel some of these fears by learning as much as you can about the
company, the culture, and just as importantly - the job. The internet is an
excellent source of information. Check the company web site or call the company
and ask them to send any corporate literature if they don't have a web site.
There is no excuse for not researching a company. Also take a look at the latest developments in
the industry so you can converse with confidence.
Rehearse your answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview
will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop
up. Read the job description and person specification thoroughly. Sit with your
CV, a professional notepad not scruffy and the job details in front of you and
bullet point ALL the skills you have which match the requirements. You can get
a good friend or relative, preferable who is or has experience in similar role to
ask you questions about your CV, the role, and some general interview
questions. Click here for more on interview questions and answers.
Appearance
Your appearance speaks for you before you've even uttered a
word. Always wear a smart, corporate
suit in a dark colour, unless you have been advised otherwise. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in, so you
can forget about how you look and get on with selling yourself. Ladies' skirts should not be too far above the
knee. Shirts and blouses should be pressed. Blouses for ladies are preferable,
but collarless tops are fine, as long as they are plain and without fashion
logos. Dressing one level above the job you're applying for shows a desire to
succeed.
Plan your journey and
stay calm during the interview
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your
route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays, and get everything you
need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile
and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be
nervous too! Wait to be asked to sit,
sit comfortably, mirror the posture of those conducting the interview, but do
not slouch. Do not fidget, twiddle your thumbs or play with your pen. This
shows you are nervous. Instead, maintain a good level of eye contact and show
interest in what the interviewer is saying.
Some questions you
could ask
In a fiercely competitive job market, interrogating your
interviewer isn’t the foolhardy tactic you might fear. If you’re up against
candidates whose ages, knowledge levels, academic credentials, gap year
activities and aspirations broadly match yours, the questions you ask might be
your best bet at differentiating yourself with style from your peers.
Find out why the job is open, who had it last and what
happened to him or her? How many people
have held this position in the last couple of years?
To whom would you report?
Will you get the opportunity to meet that person?
What type of training is required and how long is it?
What would your first assignment be?
What are the realistic chances for growth in the job? Where are the opportunities for greatest
growth within the company?
