Preparation is the first essential step towards conducting a successful interview. The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll be. Therefore, you will have a greater chance of interview success.
Below, we offer our top tips to help ensure you ace your next interview.
Make sure you know the interviewer's correct title and pronunciation of his or her full name. Know specific facts about the company - its history, financial position, competitors, products and services. Research the company's website in full. Research facts and figures about your present or former employer. Refresh your memory on this as you will be expected to know a lot about a company for which you have previously worked.
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. Remember that an interview is a two way street. The interviewer will try to determine through questioning whether you are the right person for a specific job. Likewise, you must determine through questioning whether this potential employer will provide the opportunity for career development that you seek.
During the interview, you will be assessed for your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, specific personal characteristics will be examined, such as attitude, aptitude, stability, motivation and maturity. Here are some interview dos and don'ts:
If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage. If the interviewer offers the position to you and you want it, accept on the spot. If you wish for some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date on which you can provide an answer. Don't be too discouraged if no definite offer is made nor a specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult colleagues or interview other candidates (or both) before making a decision.
If you get the impression that the interview is not going very well and you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may intend to discourage you in order to test your reaction. Thank the interviewer for their time.
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. Remember that an interview is a two way street.
Lastly, and most importantly, call your consultant immediately after the interview to explain what happened. The consultant will want to speak with you before the interviewer calls.
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