| Before The Job Interview: | | | | pause and think of what your answer will be before |
| • Research the organization and find out as much | | | | you respond. Like any interview sometimes we tend to |
| as you can. | | | | hear only a part of a question due to a certain degree |
| • As an interview panel member the least I expect | | | | of nervousness. That said it is not a good idea to |
| is that the candidate has background knowledge of | | | | interrupt the interviewer, even if you are eager to |
| my organization. Failure to do so will put you in a | | | | answer the question. |
| negative light and will show you do not have much | | | | • Always be conscious of your body language - It |
| interest in the vacancy - even if you are interested. So | | | | is important to maintain eye contact with all panel |
| get ahead of other candidates by doing this. | | | | members but do not stare at them! Be aware of |
| • Doing this type of preparation will give you a | | | | twitching with your ear, putting your hands towards |
| good idea of the organization, its culture and the | | | | your mouth and crossing your arms. These are |
| markets it services. From this point you have a better | | | | classical defensive non-verbal cues that an interviewer |
| understanding of your future potential employer. | | | | will pick up in a second. So try and avoid these at all |
| • You will have scrutinized the job application form | | | | costs. |
| and the essential and desirable criteria for the post. | | | | • By all means show enthusiasm and gesticulate |
| From these documents you can develop and prepare | | | | with your hands to emphasize your salient points. This |
| possible questions and the answers to these. (Please | | | | shows the panel that you have passion about the |
| see the samples of job interview questions and the | | | | subject matter. |
| answers page for more help) | | | | • Give yourself enough space between you and |
| • Dress to impress at the interview stage. Ensure | | | | the interviewer. Too close and the interviewer will back |
| that you dress conservatively, professionally and your | | | | off because you are invading their space. Too far and |
| clothes are dry-cleaned. With regards to your hair | | | | you will have to shout your answers. Your posture |
| ensure you are well groomed, you hair brushed and/or | | | | should be upright but comfortable, avoid twitching and |
| styled in a business like way. Don't let your dress | | | | leaning back in your seat. |
| sense, no matter what your style, be the center of | | | | • You must be enthusiastic, self-confident and |
| attention. I must stress that you must dress | | | | self-assured. Arrogance is not a trait you want to |
| appropriately for your interview. Enough said. | | | | portray. There is a fine line between over-confidence |
| • Refrain from smoking tobacco and cigars before | | | | and arrogance so do not try too hard to the panel |
| entering your interview. I appreciate that it helps some | | | | how wonderful you are and what they would be |
| people, nevertheless my experience has shown me | | | | missing if they didn't employ you. Keep it real. Tell the |
| that it can be smelt by the interviewers and is not | | | | panel of your experiences, your attributes and your |
| good! | | | | capabilities and you will win the day. |
| • I suggest a smart navy or grey suit for the | | | | • In relation to past employers keep it professional |
| interview as the most generally used piece of attire. | | | | and positive. Any negative feedback about a past |
| They are simple, smart, clean and business like. Just | | | | employer may not go down too well at this point. |
| the way we interviewers like it. | | | | Why? Because those people in front of you could be |
| • Arrange to have a number of documents | | | | your future employer! (Please see the samples of job |
| available for your interview. If you have a presentation | | | | interview questions and the answers page for more |
| a really good piece of advice is to copy your | | | | help) |
| presentation for the interview panel on a Word | | | | • The one piece of advice I give to all interview |
| document with space for them to take notes. Prior to | | | | candidates is to listen to the question very carefully. |
| the presentation hand them each a copy. It shows you | | | | Sometimes questions are asked in two or even three |
| really have made an effort to impress them. Also | | | | parts so please listen attentively. Take the time to |
| include additional copies of your resume/CV, referee | | | | gather your thoughts in order that you provide the |
| reports, and anything else you may want to bring with | | | | panel with the most comprehensive answer you can |
| you. | | | | give. If you don't understand the question, ask the panel |
| • For those of you who may consider bringing a | | | | to rephrase it or to clarify it further for you. This is OK |
| note or legal pad with you to take notes -whilst this is | | | | to do and it gives you a bit of breathing space to |
| not illegal please don't do it! It only makes the | | | | gather your thoughts. |
| interviewers very uncomfortable and will cast doubts | | | | • If you have any questions of your own do this at |
| about your motives. | | | | the end of your interview. |
| During your Interview: | | | | • If you are unsure of what next steps to take ask |
| • It is important to give yourself as much time as | | | | the interview panel and the end of the interview. One |
| possible to arrive at the interview venue. Be there at | | | | of the most common questions I have been asked is |
| least 10 to 20 minutes early. Our busy schedules mean | | | | 'When will I be likely to hear the outcome?' Just ask. It's |
| that roads are busy and trains and buses run late so | | | | expected of you. Thank the interviewer for their time |
| prepare well in advance and if needs be, do a dry run | | | | at the end of the interview. |
| a couple of days earlier to gauge the traffic etc. | | | | • I have seen a number of theories around offering |
| • Be professional at all times. Be polite, courteous | | | | a handshake to the interviewer. My suggestion would |
| and well mannered. You may be nervous but this is no | | | | be that if the interviewer offers you a firm handshake, |
| excuse to abrupt or rude to anyone, regardless of | | | | by all means reciprocate, make eye contact and |
| whom they are. Remember these could be future | | | | respond with a confident smile. On the other hand if it |
| colleagues so don't let yourself down. | | | | is not offered, don't worry about offering a handshake |
| • If you carry a mobile phone, turn it off before you | | | | first, if at all. Thank the panel again and leave the |
| enter the interview room to be sure it does not ring. | | | | interview with grace and confidence. |
| • Let the interviewer ask you the questions and | | | | |