This is an important process that job seekers may overlook. It is not a process that requires a lot of time but it does require some discipline. Often, the toughest part of getting any job is likely to be the interview - that moment when you come face to face with a prospective employer and just when you need all the confidence you can muster, it seems to completely disappear. Getting through interviews and making them work effectively for you is something everyone can do - it just takes careful planning. If you want to make a good impression, preparation is necessary. Homework If an interview has been set, you will know the name of the employer (company name). Do your homework and find out more about the employer. Find out as much as you can about the job, analyse the job description, try and work out what sort of person is required and match that to your own strengths and skills. This information can be found using many sources. Business directories and listings and company websites are useful sources and full of information. Company profiles can also be found in their annual reports. You could also speak to friends, relatives and acquaintances that are working to find out what they know about a certain company or job. If you are confident enough, you may also wish to call up the company and speak to their corporate communication or human resource department. The staff in corporate communication and human resource is generally willing to assist by giving out non-sensitive information on their company, provided you explain your purpose. Larger companies and foreign companies tend to be more open to giving information. Some questions you can ask - nature of business, where they are based or where are their headquarters and what are their main products. This type of information is non-threatening and most companies use it in their publicity material. If you are going through an organisation such as Kelly Services then your consultant will be able to give you a detailed job description and make sure you know all about the position before you get there. Time and Place of Interview Take mental note of this information. Often, people forget or get flustered over last minute details. If necessary, check a street directory on the exact location of the building and the location of the stopping points of the public transportation system nearest to the place of interview. Attire Plan what you are going to wear the day before the interview. Ensure your clothes are clean, fresh and well pressed. Take cues from others you know in that profession or sector. It is better and safer to be slightly conservative. Some men wear suits for interviews. It is not really necessary unless it is a senior appointment. A conservative simple tie, a well pressed long sleeve shirt and dark trousers is adequate for men. For women, a dark jacket with a plain or light pastel shade blouse always gives a professional appearance. Skirts should be of appropriate length. Jewellery and accessories must not be distracting to the interviewer. Avoid clothing that is ill-fitting, revealing, casual or unprofessional. Ensure your hair is properly combed or brushed. If you wear aftershave or perfume, choose something with a light fragrance; avoid anything that is 'overpowering'. For ladies, light make-up is permitted. Ensure you appear fresh and relaxed. Documents Be sure to place the important documents, references and information in a presentable well-organised folder. A folder with clear plastic sheets is handy and you can display all your certificates nicely without having to take them in and out of an envelope. Some applicants bring their documents and references rolled up or all crumpled and folded - this creates an impression of a disorganised person. Make it easy for you to display all your documents easily to your prospective employer. Carry the folder in a presentable briefcase that makes you look professional. Avoid shopping and travel bags. Mental Preparation Our minds need dressing up just like our physical bodies. Prepare yourself mentally. Spend some time to review your achievements and praise yourself for what you have done so far. This is not the time to be self-critical or compare yourself with others. Tell yourself that the fact they want to interview you means half the battle is won, you have gotten a foot in the door. Visualise yourself succeeding at the interview and being happy with how you performed. If necessary, practice and rehearse how you will respond and conduct yourself. Practice saying answers to frequently asked questions at interviews, so that you can do it naturally. If the interview is in the morning, try to have an early night the day before the interview. For an afternoon interview, avoid scheduling activities 2 to 3 hours before the interview in order to arrive at the interview calm and relaxed.
Timing Allow sufficient time for travel so that you can get there on time. Being more than 15 minutes early is a little rude but being even a minute late is very rude. If your interview is in a large building, you may have to wait for elevators that may take a long time. In order to allow for sufficient time, get there early and monitor the situation. Walk around if you are early, but keep track of the time. If you need to use the 'restroom', do so before you go for the interview.
Walking In The Door It's hard to tell what to expect behind that door. It could be a busy office with many people, or a very quiet office where everyone looks up when you enter the door. Many people forget to smile as a result of nervousness. You cannot see your face but others can. Walk with a confident stride and smile. Be nice to everyone, not just the interviewer.
Do not touch anything in the interviewer's office or in the open reception area. Just sit quietly and wait. If you are concerned about having to wait a long time, bring along a book to read. Some employers may make you wait on purpose to see how you react to those around you and if you get impatient. Sometimes, you may have to wait because they may have a problem to solve. Remember that they do not interview people for a living, they have a business to conduct. Filling Forms Some employers may want you to fill a form before the interview. Do not attach the resume and write, "refer to resume" on the form. If they wanted a resume, they will ask for it. If they want you to fill the form, fill it properly, include all information, and check for accuracy. As tedious as it may be, form filling is a routine chore you have to come to terms with if you are a job seeker. Always bring your own pen that you are comfortable using, in case you have to fill a form. Personality Tests / Other Tests You may be asked to sit for a test or a series of tests. Do them willingly and do your best. Answer the questions or do the exercises to the best of your ability. Do not panic if you cannot finish the test in the time specified or if you are unable to answer the questions or exercises. Read the instructions for the test carefully. If you are unsure, clarify before you commence the test. What matters is not how you perform but whether you are willing to give yourself a chance. Telephone Interviews Some companies use telephone interviews to draw up their shortlist so it is worth giving some thought to how you would cope with this technique. In many ways, you need to prepare for a phone interview in the same way as you would for a face-to-face interview. In this instance, it is particularly important to think of some questions that you may want to ask the interviewer. You should also try to find a quiet phone that you can use. Then you need to get yourself in interview 'mode'. Try and imagine you are sitting in front of the interviewer and use facial expressions as you would in a one-to-one interview because your attitude and frame of mind is always reflected in your voice - so don't forget to smile and be positive. Don't forget the 5 Ws - Who, What, Where, Why and When Prepare honest and persuasive answers to likely questions, such as
