Preparing For An Interview-00-5297

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Some people consider themselves naturals when it comes to interviews, others find them nerve-wracking. No matter how you feel about them, the key to having a successful interview is preparation. Careful preparation will make you feel more confident and significantly increase your success rate.

Here are some tips to help you feel well prepared and confident.

Research the organisation - look at their website, read anything you can about the company. This will help you with any relevant questions you are asked and make you appear knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the company.

Find out who you are meeting - If possible, find out who you will be meeting and what their role is. The more you find out, the more comfortable you will feel before meeting them as you will feel you already know a little about them.

Read the job specification thoroughly - It is very important to read the job specification again before you attend your interview. This will ensure you are fully aware of what the company is looking for and enable you to emphasise your relevant skills and experience.

Get the basics right - ...
... There are many questions that get asked in practically every interview, no matter the role. Although straightforward, it is important that they are prepared for. Examples include:

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you wish to leave your current employer?
Why do you want this position?
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
What is your greatest achievement to date?
What is the hardest challenge you have faced in your career?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Get to the right place at the right time - Print a map, even if you think you know exactly where you're going. Public transport can be unreliable so make sure you leave more than enough time to get there. Arriving early and having to wait in a nearby cafe is better than turning up late and flustered!

Dress correctly - Although some companies can have a more relaxed attitude to dress codes than others, it is always best to turn up overdressed than underdressed. Ensure you are comfortable in what you are wearing and that you look smart and presentable. If in doubt, wear a suit!

Make the right first impression - From the moment you enter the building, make sure you are friendly and polite. Although you may not be interviewing directly with some of the people you meet, they may be asked for their first impressions of you. Once you meet your interviewer, greet them with a firm handshake and only sit when invited.

Behave professionally during the interview - This may sound obvious but there are many areas in which you can slip up. Here are some points to consider whilst in the interview:

Speak clearly and concisely. If being interviewed by more than one person, make sure you address each of them when answering.
Be friendly and smiley but don't go over the top. Try to build a rapport but remain professional.
Listen to the question you are being asked before you answer. If you are unsure of what is being asked, ask for clarification
Avoid waffling! Keep to the point and do not go off on a tangent.
Tailor your answers to the role you are going for. Make your skills and experience reflect what they are looking for.
Avoid talking negatively about ex-employees or colleagues, even if you have had a bad experience.
Make sure you have turned your mobile off
Do not chew gum.

Always have questions prepared - You will always be asked at the end of an interview if you have any questions. Try to ask questions that demonstrate your research on, and interest in both the position and the company.

By following these tips you should find yourself feeling well prepared before the interview and more confident during it. Good luck!

About the Author:

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