7 top tips for successful interviews
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The document provides 7 tips for successful interviews: 1) do thorough research on yourself, the organization, and the job; 2) analyze the organization's public materials to identify key themes; 3) arrive 15 minutes early so you can relax before the interview; 4) be polite to all staff as they may provide feedback; 5) dress conservatively to make a good first impression; 6) prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer; and 7) demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the role throughout the interview.
7 top tips for successful interviews
- 1. 7 top tips for successful interviews
- 2. 7 top tips for successful interviews #1: do your research research yourself • know why you are the best person for the job • know your strengths and abilities research the organisation • know why you want to work for them • know what they do and how much of it they do • know the staff; who is likely to be interviewing you? research the job • really get to know the job description and person specification • take advantage of offers to talk through the post practice interview questions • Prepare answers out loud
- 3. 7 top tips for successful interviews #2: be a mystery shopper go through their website, brochures, literature with a fine tooth comb • how do they describe themselves in their ‘about us’ section? • what key words can you identify? observe the work environment before your interview • do your potential colleagues pleasant / happy? • do you see yourself working with the people that walk out of the building? • is the building tidy or unkempt? • phone and ask a question; is the receptionist rude? • does what you see live up to the website / literature description?
- 4. 7 top tips for successful interviews #3: arrive 15 minutes early nothing upsets a potential employer more than an applicant who is not punctual psychologically it is to your advantage to arrive to the interview early • you will have time to focus all your energy on a positive outcome • you will have time to interact with other members of staff • you will have time to relax, take some deep breaths and imagine a successful interview
- 5. 7 top tips for successful interviews #4: be nice to everyone the interview panel will probably ask for feedback from all of the people you interact with during the interview process – so be nice, smile, say hello
- 6. 7 top tips for successful interviews #5: dress to impress if you research the company thoroughly you will know what to wear to fit in some of your individualism might have to be shelved for conservative conformity better to be too conservative than to be too flashy your clothes, hairstyle, accessories and posture say more about you than a CV or application form ever will you only have one chance to make a first impression - the job interview is the only chance you have to sell yourself in person
- 7. 7 top tips for successful interviews #6: prepare lots of questions a job interview is as much about you deciding if this is a place you would like to work as it is them deciding if they want you to work for them! if you don’t feel ‘the chemistry’ between you and your potential employer boss within 5 minutes don’t feel you have to accept the position if it is offered to you; most people are unhappy in work or leave a job because of management issues, not salary when they ask “do you have any questions?” always have at least 3 - please avoid anything to do with salary, number of annual leave days or hours of work
- 8. 7 top tips for successful interviews #7: be enthusiastic both positive and negative energy are contagious – do all you can to make the interview a positive experience for everyone show real enthusiasm for the job – but don’t be OTT! smile tailor your responses to their expectations be an active listener don’t be afraid to ask for the question to be repeated of rephrased at the end of the interview, after all your questions have been answered give a 30 second recap of your skills in relation to the job and reiterate your interest in working with the company (if you are still interested that is!)
- 9. thank you Kathy Ennis 020 8926 0331 [email protected] www.kathyennis.co.uk @kathyennis
Editor's Notes
- #4: You will be spending 10 hours per day in this office. If the people, office décor and mentality don’t mirror your personal aesthetic, values or lifestyle, find another position. Regardless of the 6-figure salary and the espresso machine…this job is not the perfect match. Move on. There will be other positions.
- #5: No one cares that there’s no parking in front of the buildingGet ready to be labelled as a job interview disaster because of latenessIf you are running late make sure that you phone ahead – they may wait, they may re-schedule
- #7: MENA two-piece suit will suffice in most instances. Solid colours and tighter-woven fabrics are safer than bold prints or patterns. Bright ties bring focus to the face, but a simple pattern is best for an interview. (A tip for larger men: Use a double Windsor knot to minimize a bulky appearance.) Wear polished shoes with socks high enough so no skin is visible when you sit down and cross your legs.WOMENA suit with a knee-length skirt and a tailored blouse is most appropriate. Although even the most conservative organizations allow more feminine looks these days, accessories should be kept simple. Basic court shoes and modest jewellery and makeup help to present a professional look. Trousers are more acceptable now but are not recommended for interviews. A Final CheckNeatly trimmed hair Conservative makeup No runs in stockings Shoes polished (some suggest wearing an old pair of shoes on the way to an interview and changing before you enter the interview site) No excessive jewellery; men should refrain from wearing earrings No missing buttons, crooked ties, dandruff, chipped nail varnish, cat hairs …..
- #8: some questions that may be appropriate:what is your 5 year vision for this department / organisation?how do you motivate and encourage your employees?are there any extra tasks and responsibilities expected of this position not listed in the job description? why did the last person leave the position?
- #9: Interviews are stressful for both the interviewer and the intervieweeWhen you are asked to say why you are suitable for the post relate everything to the company – this is where tips #1 and #2 come inIf you’re not sure you heard a question correctly feed the question back “so what you are asking me is …?”people loose out on a job because they don’t answer the question they have been asked because they weren’t listening properly