The time is past when you could just roll up for an interview without preparing. In the Internet age, employers expect prospective employees to know a bit about their company.
- Make sure you research each company you go to, finding out a little about their history, what they do and any news items about them. It doesn’t have to take long - a simple Google search can reveal a lot. One of the questions they are likely to ask you is what you know about the company. A few sentences are all you need to commit to memory!
- Prepare physically too. Check how long it will take you to get to the interview and plan your route in advance. Prepare clothes and have them clean and ironed the night before – check for lose buttons and broken zips so you can repair those in advance and not get caught out in the middle of the interview!
- Get there on time. This is one of the most important things. Lateness isn’t good. Getting there a couple of minutes early is ideal because you can go to the bathroom to freshen up and check your appearance. If you arrive just on time you could need to use the bathroom but not get chance if you go straight in to your interview. You won’t be able to concentrate very well if you are worried your bladder is about to burst!
- Turn off your mobile phone when you arrive. This is VITAL!
- Have a few questions ready. Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. Having a couple prepared in advance really helps so you’re not trying to think on the spot. Questions that focus on the benefits of the job – salary, holidays, pension, etc., - don’t go down well with recruiters. They want to know what you will be bringing to the company, not what you want to take from it. Suitable questions include:
It is becoming increasingly important to follow-up interviews with a ‘thank you’ – a note or email. This shows you are well-mannered and also puts you to the forefront of the interviewer’s mind. This is a new trend here but has always been important in Canada – where an interviewee wouldn’t stand a chance of getting a job if they didn’t demonstrate good manners.
If you prepare well, you are more likely to feel relaxed and confident when you go in for your interview – and therefore more likely to get the job as you will come across well.
For more details:
Pitman Training Swords
7/11/2011
SWORDS
