Friday, February 22, 2013

Preparation is essential if you want to do well

Stage 1 - Preparation
  • Re-read your resume.
  • Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
  • Work out clothes to wear
  • Rehearse interview
  • Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview
  • Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
  • Read vacancy details, employer's literature - what they are and what they want
  • Know where the interview will take place
Stage 2 - First Impressions Count
  • Arrive in good time
  • Make a good entrance
  • Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
  • Smile
Stage 3 - The Interview
  • Be yourself
  • Be honest
  • Be prepared to talk - but not too much
  • Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
  • Illustrate your answers with examples
  • Be ready to sell yourself
  • Be interesting
Stage 4 - The Final Stage
  • Know when the interview is over - read employer's body language
  • Thank him/her for his/her time
  • Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary
Questions You May Wish To Ask 

The Organisation
  • Major current projects
  • Future developments
Work
  • What you would be doing
  • How long for
  • Typical projects/timescales
  • Variety of work
Training
  • Training offered/possible
  • Help with professional qualifications
Colleagues
  • Who would you work with?
Location
  • Where would you be based?
  • How much travel/mobility
Prospects/Salary
  • Likely progression
  • Where are previous graduates
General Way of Life
  • Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc
Questions You Can Prepare For
  • Tell us about yourself
  • Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
  • What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why have you applied for this job?
  • What do you have to offer us?
  • What are the current issues in this sector of work?
  • What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
  • Describe a project you have successfully completed.
  • How would your friends describe you?
  • Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
  • What questions would you like to ask us?

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