Interview Do's

• Arrive on time and obtain clear directions for the location of the interview and plan your journey, allowing plenty of time to arrive. If you are unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately giving the reason and your estimated time of arrival.
• Look your smartest and show your most professional side during the interview. A company is more likely to hire someone who is well presented and who will therefore best represent their company.
• Introduce yourself courteously and express yourself clearly.
• Be confident and maintain poise. The ability to handle your nerves during the interview will come across as confidence in your ability to handle the job.
• Be prepared!
• Take time to think and construct your answers to questions to avoid rushing into a vague and senseless reply.
• Show willingness to start at the bottom and work up.
• Anticipate questions you’re likely to be asked and have answers prepared in advance. Uncertainty and disorganisation show the interviewer that you are unprepared and unclear what your goals are.
• Be assertive
• Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview.

Example Questions to consider

When you're asked open-ended questions, always try and make your answers positive.

Q: Tell me about yourself. (The interviewer is really saying "I want to hear you talk").

Q: What have been your achievements to date? (The interviewer is saying, "Are you an achiever?").

Q: Are you happy with your career to date? (The interview is really asking about your self-esteem and self-confidence, your career aspirations and whether you are a happy, positive person).

Q: Tell me the most difficult situation you have had to face and how you tackled it? (The interviewer is really trying to find out your definition of 'difficult' and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving using your initiative).

Q: What do you like about your present job? (The interviewer is really trying to find out whether you will enjoy the things the job has to offer).

Q: What do you dislike about your current role? (The interviewer is trying to find out whether the job on offer has responsibilities you will dislike or which will make you unsuitable).

Q: What are your strengths? (The interviewer wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at and how it is going to add value).

Q: What are your greatest weaknesses? (The interviewer is asking about your self-perception and self-awareness).

Q: What kind of decision do you find most difficult? (The interviewer is really saying, "I need someone who is strong and decisive but who has a human side.").

Q: Why do you want to leave your current employer? (The interviewer is trying to understand and evaluate your motives for moving).

Example Questions to ask at the end of your interview

Ask Who, What, Where, Why Questions as it will encourage the interviewer to talk about the company and give you additional information.