Canal Route Planner
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Job Interview Tips
Author : Karen Seiles - Manager
Direct Recruitment |
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Job Interview Tips and Advice
Be prepared!
Find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking about your previous career and how that relates to the job on offer. Think about the questions they might ask you, anticipate the general questions which they will ask (see below "Common Interview Questions") and have some questions to ask them, these questions demonstrate your interest.
At the Interview
To do well at the interview you will need to show three things:
1) that you are technically qualified to do the job.
2) that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well
3) that you will fit in with the company's organisational structure and the team in which you will work.
On the day
1) Dress smartly for the interview
2) Leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons.
3) Be courteous to all employees of the company.
4) In the interview itself be positive about yourself and your abilities
5) Do not waffle.
Common Interview Questions
The first question may be: "Tell me about yourself" - so have a short verbal resume prepared emphasising your good points.
Why do you want this job?
1) Stress the positive! Pick on aspects of the job that attract you.
2) Avoid negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.
3) Avoid saying "it pays more", "I want to leave where I am now"; instead say for example "It is an opportunity......." ".... to work in a bigger/smaller organisation", "....to do ... which is something I really enjoy and am good at"
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Base your answer on:
1) their job description
2) your knowledge of your previous experience in this area
Qualities may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, etc.
What can you contribute?
Here is your chance to sell yourself!
1) go through what you have achieve in previous positions
2) pick up on previous experience which is relevant to the job on offer
Why do you want to work for this company?
1) emphasise the positive reasons e.g. the company is a market leader
2) avoid mentioning money - in the case of salesmen this might however been seen as a good thing especially where commission payments are paid and so you are expected to be motivated by money
3) avoid mentioning shorter hours - this suggests you do not want to work much
What do you know about this company?
Impress the interviewer with your knowledge that you gathered from their reports etc, products and/or services, history, structure, foreign operations, group structure, news, etc.
What can the new company give you that you do not get in your current position?
This question can be a can of worms if not handled correctly.
1) Be careful not to pick on negative aspects of your current job as the interviewer may question you on these further.
2) Stress opportunities for personal growth, new challenges, etc.
What to Avoid
Being unprepared for the interview.
Poor/limp handshake.
Saying unfavourable things about previous employers.
Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Being aggressive or acting in a superior way.
Making excuses for failings.
Direct Recruitment for fast track recruitment and employment, finding jobs for people and people for jobs.
Tel: 01785 819880
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