Job interview preparation - Part II

Before you begin the interview process you need to:

Know your CV and ideal next career move.
Know your potential employer.
Know the interview styles that are currently in use.

You may find it useful to be videotaped during a practice interview so that you can see yourself as an interviewer will. This may be particularly useful if it has been many years since you have had a formal job interview. You can also be interviewed by a friend who can then give you feedback. This can be very useful and is often understated. As well as the knowledge and preparation, you need to perform well in interviews; there are some general dos and don’ts that you should remember.

Some things to remember at the interview

DO plan to arrive on time and preferably 15 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never acceptable.
If presented with an application, DO fill it out neatly and completely. If you have a personal resume, be sure the person you release it to is the person who will actually do the hiring.
DO greet the interviewer by their surname.
DO shake hands firmly.
DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair. Look alert and  interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile.
Don’t look like you fear the whole situation even though you actually might. A smile can take you far.
DO look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk to them.
DO follow the interviewer’s leads and try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position.
DON’T answer questions with a simple yes or no. Explain whenever possible. Use lots of examples and describe what happened in detail. THIS IS IMPORTANT.
DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual and a sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to the interviewer. Make them realize the need for you in their organization. You are what is missing!
DON’T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as to the point as possible.
DON’T ever talk about your past employer in a negative tone. Instead underline what you learnt from that work experience. Even though you might hate them now.
DON’T over answer questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics, since this can be ticklish, it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say more than is necessary.
DON’T ask or talk about salary, bonuses, holidays etc at the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you and raises the issue first. However you should know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.

We will continue with interview preparation later this week with Part III