| So you've created a great CV and updated your | | | | centre or interview is and arrive on time or a few |
| online iProfile CV template. | | | | minutes early. • Look Sharp. Personal appearance |
| A company has invited you for an interview or to one | | | | counts for graduates attending an interview or |
| of their assessment centres for graduates. What | | | | assessment centre. Graduates should appear neat, |
| now? How can you prepare for the daunting interview | | | | clean and well-groomed. If unsure about an employer's |
| questions and selection process? How can you | | | | dress policy, it's best to err on the side of overdressing |
| distinguish yourself from other graduates seeking a | | | | rather than underdressing. At the Interview You know |
| similar position? | | | | your CV and iProfile inside and out. You've researched |
| First off, don't panic. Remember that in singling out your | | | | the company. And you've arrived at the interview or |
| CV or iProfile, the company is showing interest in you. | | | | assessment centre on time and ready to go. |
| Chances are there is something in your experience | | | | Well-prepared graduates can seal a successful |
| that made you stand out from other graduates and | | | | interview by also keeping the following in mind: |
| contractors. Now you need to present yourself and | | | | • Let Your Body Do the Talking. It's not unusual for |
| your skills during the interview in the best possible light. | | | | graduates to be nervous at an interview or |
| Do Your Homework - Studying for Interview | | | | assessment centre. Relax. Use non-verbal cues to |
| Questions Some graduates make the mistake of | | | | express confidence and put the interviewer at ease. |
| thinking that once they've been called to an interview | | | | Use a strong handshake, smile, and make eye contact |
| or assessment centre, the job is theirs. On the | | | | when answering interview questions |
| contrary, the outcome of an interview is often | | | | • Don't Just Sit There! Graduates should keep in |
| determined by how well a candidate has prepared | | | | mind that the interview or assessment centre is one of |
| • Study Your CV or iProfile. Regardless of whether | | | | their best opportunities to learn about the employer. |
| you used a CV format to create your CV or you | | | | Candidates should "interview the interviewer" to |
| have an iProfile CV, you've attracted the attention of a | | | | determine whether the company and position is a |
| recruiter or hirer. Review yourCV or iProfile carefully, | | | | good fit for them. Ask questions (politely) and listen |
| making sure you'll be comfortable explaining everything | | | | carefully to the interviewer. It's your career so make |
| in it. | | | | sure you use the interview to figure out whether the |
| • Practise, Practise, Practise. Smart graduates | | | | company or role is right for you. A Word About |
| prepare for an interview with friends or family and | | | | Assessment Centres Assessment centres are |
| rehearse their responses to potential interview | | | | company-run events used to evaluate graduates in |
| questions. Practising helps graduates gain confidence | | | | whom the company has shown interest. They could |
| and come across more naturally during the interview. | | | | take place over one or more days and are typically |
| • Play Detective. Graduates preparing for interview | | | | held after a first interview. Graduates attending |
| questions or assessment centre visit should learn | | | | assessment centres can expect to participate in |
| everything they can about the company and the job in | | | | several activities including an initial or follow-up |
| advance. Use the Internet and read the newspaper to | | | | interview, presentations, group activities, exercises, and |
| pick up on the latest industry news and trends. One of | | | | aptitude or psychometric tests. Since some elements |
| the best ways for graduates to make a strong | | | | of an assessment centre involve working in groups, it's |
| impression at an interview is to demonstrate they | | | | essential that graduates stay positive; the idea is to |
| know something that most others don't. Getting Ready | | | | show yourself in the best light and not undercut or |
| Sometimes the simplest things can mean the | | | | criticise other graduates. In other respects, the |
| difference between graduates coming across well or | | | | suggestions above apply equally to graduates |
| poorly in an interview: | | | | attending an assessment centre as to those attending |
| • Bring Extra CVs. Don't assume that just because | | | | an interview. Remember that while a compelling CV or |
| a recruiter or potential employer has seen your CV it | | | | iProfile is an ideal way to get your foot in the door, |
| means they'll have a copy at the interview. Be | | | | there's a lot you can do to improve your chances of |
| prepared with several extra copies. | | | | landing that dream job. Whether it's an initial job |
| • Don't Be Late... Ever! Graduates who show up | | | | interview or a follow-up assessment centre, graduates |
| late for an interview or at an assessment centre are | | | | who keep these proven strategies and techniques in |
| sending the worst kind of message about their reliability | | | | mind have a better chance to seal the deal. |
| and interest. Know in advance where the assessment | | | | |