Job Seeker Resources
Interview Tips
So you have an interview! Remember that you have gained this interview because the employer thought your application reflected that you could be the right person for the job. Now it is time to sell yourself. You responded to the advertisement because you liked the sound of the job: You wrote your application well because you knew you could satisfy what the employer wanted: now you need to believe in yourself and your skills and sell your suitability to them.
- Be confident, not cocky! Do not focus on your weaknesses and if you are asked to identify them do so but be sure to also highlight ways you are already working on improving them and ways this job will also help you improve on them. Believe in your skills and communicate this to the person interviewing you. You need to convince them you are the one for the job
- Be in control of the interview. Practice responses to possible interview questions and prepare a short statement of why you should be appointed. This will help you appear confident and in control
- Arrive early with time to get your nerves under control. Being late will only make them worse as you are rushed
- Be open and friendly, relaxed but professional
- Make eye contact and actively listen to what is said to you. This will ensure you project a genuine interest in the job
- Open and close with a handshake and a smile
- Use a bright and interested tone of voice. Be clear and concise.
- If you completed a selection criteria for the application read it several times. Be very familiar with what you wrote and what experiences you gave
- Think of other experiences within your work history that highlight your skills. If you are asked about certain competencies, outline your experiences which demonstrate these competencies
- Make sure you have researched the company so you have some knowledge on their history and growth and products and servicee
- Dress conservatively and pay attention to your grooming
- DO NOT make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers
- DO NOT talk about money too soon in the interview
- DO NOT come across as conceited or too aggressive
- Show your interest by asking a couple of questions about the position
