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Interview Tips

Some useful tips to help you with an interview

An interview is an opportunity for you to talk directly to the hiring manager and motivate a company to hire you. Read our tips below to make sure you put your best foot forward in your next interview.

Why prepping for an interview is important?

Preparing for an interview is essential as it:

Builds confidence.
Allows you to cover CV information such as dates and reasons for leaving with certainty.
Provides you with information about the company and position you are applying for.
Makes it easier for you to build rapport with the interviewer.
Gives the interviewer the impression that you have done your homework and understand the purpose of the visit.
Allows you to showcase your skills and experience with ease.

What to research and how?

Key elements to research:

The company – their background & origin, their website, their industry news, culture, competitors, products and services.
Background of interviewer – find out something personal about the interviewer that could be brought up in conversation (at the right time) to ease into the interview e.g. hobbies or schools attended. People can also be researched through LinkedIn and Facebook to get the above information (and remember to keep it professional at all times)
The position – you will have discussed a job spec with the Consultant representing you. Ensure that you understand the skills, competencies, pressures, expectations and general demands required to do the job.

Good questions to ask the potential employer:

Why is the position available?
The expectation that the client has of their desired candidate.
Solution – the problem that the client is trying to solve by bringing this person in.
Who will you report to?Company structure.

Remember:

You are entitled to ask questions as this is your interview of the company as well (without coming across as arrogant)
Avoid discussing salary package if you can. Advise the interviewer that your multiSEARCH Consultant will discuss this with them further during the process.

Important information to know about yourself & interview etiquette

Your achievements / how you have added value to the companies you have worked for.
Characteristics / traits (strengths) e.g. – your ability, work ethic.
Your expectations / goals- have timeframes on goals (what you want and don’t want, where you see yourself, have short term and long term goals)
Challenges and weaknesses – It is good to use the term “area of development” instead of “weakness”.
It is best to use language / terminology that is used in the job spec.
Know your CV – education, dates, reasons for leaving, duties, achievements within each position.
Dress appropriately for the interview (find out what their culture is like). Some advice – dress in colours that the company uses e.g. Yellow Tie = MTN.

During an interview NEVER

Arrive late.
Appear underdressed or ungroomed.
Be unprepared.
Communicate badly.
Chew bubble gum.
Take a call on your cell phone.
Fidget, mumble, talk too much or interrupt.
Lie or stretch the truth.
Ask questions about salary, overtime, leave and working hours.
Tell “war stories” about regretful moments.
Be disrespectful.
Bad mouth your past employers.

Always remember to say “thank you” for the interview opportunity.