Interviews
by paula.fox@haymarket.com, Brand Republic, 19/6/2008
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An interview is a key to a door - the door to your next job. Being well-prepared takes a little time and planning but you will reap the benefit, feeling confident and with good responses at your fingertips in the interview.
Here's some tips for before, during and after your interview.
Before
Put yourself in the prospective interviewer's shoes and look at yourself objectively through their eyes
Research the company, competitors, your interviewers etc via a web search, visit a business library or grill contacts so that you are up to speed with key issues and prepare some thoughts, questions and ideas to share
Know yourself well and be clear on why your qualities, skills and experience make you suitable for the job
Look your best - see the separate career guide on style tips
Allow plenty of time and arrive early
Source directions and be clear where you are going
Think about how you'd like to feel in the interview e.g. calm and focused and recall a time when you had these resources
Get a good night's sleep before the interview
During
Be yourself
Check how much time is available for the interview, especially if it starts late
Keep your body language open and non-defensive
Maintain eye contact, especially key if there is more than one interviewer
Refer to your page of key points and questions and make sure that you cover them
If you feel stumped by a question, say "That's a great question" to buy yourself some thinking time
Don't ask about salary
After
Ask for feedback either directly or from the recruitment agent
Send a letter, card or email thanking the interviewers for their time. Remember, interviews are additional workload and may prevent your interviewer from seeing their kids before bedtime
Reflect on what went well and what to improve next time
Be philosophical - what will be will be and if you don't get another interview, trust that there's something better for you lined up in future.
