So, you have finally been called in for that interview! What next you ask?

Preparation is the key.  You need to prepare fully for the job interview to better your chances of landing the job you want.

You need to make a good impression at your interview by doing a little homework beforehand. Your interest and motivation will impress an interviewer, and you will be able to explain what you can do for the company.

• Find out more about the company and the position you applied for.
• The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview.
• Find out as much important information as you can about the company, it’s products and it’s customers.  There may be other sources of information on the Web, especially if the company is listed on the stock exchange.
• Refer to the advertisement, for more details.
• Don’t be scared to ask the agency for as much information as they are able to give.

Search for the following: (if you have the resources available.)

• Office locations, Products and services, Customers, Competitors, Philosophy, History, Recent news, Financial info, including salary and stock

Prepare for the Actual Interview:

• Practice your answers to possible questions.  Also, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer.You should be able to convey all appropriate information about yourself in 15 minutes.
• Prepare your interview materials before you leave.  Bring several copies of your CV, a list of references, and, if appropriate, a portfolio.  Make sure they are all up-to-date.
• Dress professionally and comfortably.  You will be judged by what you wear.

For woman:

• To dress as presentably as possible is the best.
• Wear sensible shoes, be moderate with make-up and perfume.
• Wear simple jewelry, hair and fingernails should be well groomed

For men:

• A clean, ironed shirt and tie are necessary.
• A simple jacket or business suit is a good idea as well.
• Shoes should be polished.
• Face should be clean-shaven;  facial hair should be neatly trimmed.
• Hair and fingernails should be well groomed.
• Use cologne or after-shave sparingly.

At the interview:

• Be on time.  Punctuality is usually interpreted as evidence of your commitment, dependability and professionalism.
• Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile.
• Make eye contact.  It shows that you are focused and confident.
• Do not make negative comments about current of former employers.
• Relax.  Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation.
• Show self-confidence.  Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer questions in a clear voice.  Listen and try not to talk too much.  Lengthy responses will make the employer lose interest and you might lose your own focus.
• Think carefully before answering a difficult question.  If you are unsure how to answer a question, ask for clarification.  For example, you could say:  “I am not sure if I understood the question properly, are you asking…”.  It is better to understand what is being asked than to go off on a tangent.
• Ask questions that show that you are proactive and want to make sure that this company is the right place for you.  These should cover any information about the company and job position you could not find in your own research.
• Do not ask questions that raise red flags.  For example, asking a question on the leave structure might cause the interviewer to assume you are more interested in taking time off than helping the company.  Make sure the interviewer understands why you are asking these questions.
• Show you want the job.  Display your initiative by talking about what functions you could perform that would benefit the organisation, and by giving specific details of how you have helped past employers.
• Avoid negative body language.  An interviewer wants to see how well you react under pressure.  Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:
  o Frequently touching your mouth, Pulling your hair or playing with your spectacles,
  o Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
  o Gnawing on your lip, Tight or forced smiles
  o Swinging your foot or leg
  o Folding or crossing your arms
  o Slouching, Avoiding eye contact
  o Picking at invisible bits of lint

After the Interview:

End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time.  Reiterate your interest in the position. If they offer to contact you, politely ask when you should expect the call.  Follow up with a telephone call to the agency if you are not contacted within a week of when the interviewer indicated you would be.

Personnel Network wishes you the best of luck !!!