| The good news about being invited for an interview is | | | | while your background and how it fits into the |
| that an employer likes what you have written in your | | | | organisation alongside your career objectives and |
| application or CV. The bad news is that you will only | | | | long-term goals are more relevant for permanent |
| have a short time to convince them that it really is you | | | | posts. With this in mind, prepare some questions and |
| they want. Therefore, the key to a good interview | | | | have them ready to ask when prompted. For example: |
| performance is preparation. | | | | · What are the future plans of the company? |
| Undertake research about the organisation by | | | | · What is the likely career development pathway |
| searching their website or asking for copies of | | | | in the next few years? |
| brochures, press releases and reports to aid your | | | | · What possible training could I receive in this role? |
| understanding of the company's mission and principles. | | | | · How would you describe the culture of the |
| Speaking to existing personnel can also assist you in | | | | company? |
| finding out more about the business. | | | | · Also, think of other questions that may be more |
| Have a clear map or written instructions to follow to | | | | relevant to your target company. |
| get to the interview and ensure you know the | | | | Preparation essentials |
| interviewer's name and title. Arrive at least ten minutes | | | | · Memorise vital information such as previous |
| early and be aware that your interview starts when | | | | experience or skills acquired and have an example or |
| you enter the reception and finishes when you leave | | | | two of an occasion when you applied that skill. |
| the building. Dress smartly and appropriately for the | | | | · Consider highlights and anecdotes about yourself, |
| company concerned. | | | | your qualities and your experience to help with |
| Your recruitment consultant, with a firm understanding | | | | answering broad questions such as, "Tell me about |
| of the employer's requirements and interview style, | | | | yourself." |
| can offer support and advice to prepare you for an | | | | · Prepare descriptions of when you applied skills |
| interview. They can give you tips on how to manage | | | | such as problem solving, adaptability, leadership, conflict |
| the interview successfully and will talk you through an | | | | resolution, multi-tasking, initiative or stress management. |
| in-depth job description, discussing the relevance of | | | | · Be prepared for what you might have to |
| your skills and experience for the position. Your | | | | discuss, possibly the company's potential concerns |
| consultant can also role-play different interview | | | | about you or salary negotiation. |
| techniques with you to develop your confidence with | | | | · For telephone interviews, have all your materials |
| different styles. | | | | organised in front of you and take the call in a |
| Structure | | | | comfortable room away from potential distractions. |
| Regardless of the type of interview most will | | | | By preparing well for different ways in which an |
| incorporate the following stages: establishing rapport, | | | | employer might conduct his/her interview, you can |
| exchanging information, and closing the interview. | | | | readily adapt to the interview situation in which you find |
| Prior experience and the ability to complete the task in | | | | yourself and put yourself in a position to excel at this |
| hand are important factors for temporary positions, | | | | stage in the recruitment process. |