Last month we looked at applying for a new job. So, let’s assume your CV and covering email were so good that you went onto the shortlist, what should you do next?
The first thing to do is find out as much as possible about the company which has advertised the job. Where are they based; do they have offices/factories in other towns, cities or countries; what do they sell/produce; how are these products and services advertised; how are they perceived by the general public; how long have they been established; how many people do they employ…? This is a basic list, but knowledge is power and the more you know, the more you can impress the interviewer/s. So, if the job is local, talk to people who might know about the company or who might even have worked there. But also go online and find out as much as you can – most companies have a website that gives information about them. If they make domestic items such as furniture, goods or food have a look how these are promoted in stores, on radio and TV and on social media.
That’s the first part of your homework done. Next, think about yourself objectively and honestly. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How can you tailor your strengths to the needs of the company (this is where your initial research should help). For example, are you:
Good at communicating – both verbally and in writing
Resilient and persistent
Self-disciplined and self-motivated – capable of meeting deadlines
Able to take criticism
Observant and perceptive
Confident – in your own abilities and your knowledge of your job
Enthusiastic and passionate about what you do
Hard working and reliable
Focused, with a clear sense of direction
Able to work alone, unsupervised
Good with technology and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry
Flexible and adaptable
Able to work as part of a team – building up a rapport with colleagues and managers
Supportive and helpful to other workers
Able to present both yourself and your work in a professional manner.
You may not feel you have all these attributes, but consider the ones that do apply to you and then think of examples of how you could demonstrate them to the interviewer, if asked, by linking them to episodes in your present job, training or your personal life.
Finally, let’s touch on your personal appearance and mannerisms at the interview. Always turn up in plenty of time. By doing this you enter looking calm and in control, not flustered. Make sure you are smart in every way. You don’t need to be expensively dressed but you do need to look professional.
Make eye contact but don’t stare. Sit upright in your chair and don’t fidget. Use natural gestures and body language but modulate these and your voice so that you don’t appear aggressive or boastful.
Take time to think about your answers to questions that are asked. Be honest about your qualifications and experience, but try to always show them in the best light.
At the end, you will usually be asked if you have any questions. Make sure you have planned one or two in advance just in case nothing comes up during the interview. You may seem lukewarm about the job if you’ve nothing to ask about it. Plus good sensible questions show that you’ve been thinking about what the interviewers have told you (or omitted to tell you!) Remember, you may want the position, but a job interview is a two-way process and you need to be sure that it’s good for you, too. Especially if you are leaving a steady job to take up a new one.
Finally, smile as you leave and don’t forget to say ‘thank you’ for the opportunity of meeting the interviewers.
Follow these few tips, and I’m sure it will make the interview process smoother and less stressful for you.
Author: Diana Nadin
