Presenting Yourself Successfully

Congratulations!

You have succeeded in impressing the employer with your resume, so now you should prepare yourself to amaze them in person during the interview with these basic tips.

Prior to Your Job Interview:

·  Learn all you can about the company or organization; learn as much as you can so that your questions are relevant and knowledgeable during the interview. Employers do expect you to arrive knowing the background information about the organization.  If you don't, you look like you're not really interested in the job.  You have to be able to answer the critical question of why you would like to work for that employer — and not sound like you would take any job. Research helps you formulate intelligent and appropriate questions to ask in your interview and websites now carry a wealth of information. It may also be useful to ring the company’s receptionist and see if there are any brochures available. This shows that you are proactive and have a keen interest in the position.

·  Be prepared to answer and ask questions. It is likely that you will be asked various behavioural based questions in addition to questions related to your skills, knowledge and personal qualities. The employer will aim to gain evidence that you possess a particular combination of selection criteria and will ask you to give specific examples of what you would have done in particular situations.

·  Example: Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple projects and conflicting deadlines. What did you do? What was the result?

·  Dress appropriately – it creates a positive and lasting first impression. This means business-like, clean and conservative including polished shoes. Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take centre stage. When in doubt, always dress more professionally rather than more casually. Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to. A two-piece matched suit is always the best choice for both men and women, in navy, grey or black.

·  Prepare papers for your interview, including extra copies of your resume, job reference lists, reference letters, legal pad for taking notes, and any other information that you may wish to have with you.

 

During Your Job Interview:

 

·  Arrive early. Don't take any chances that you might be even one minute late. If necessary, arrive 30 minutes early and wait in a nearby park or coffee shop.

·  Don't chew gum or smell like smoke.

·  Make sure your mobile phone or any other electronic device is switched off.

·  Treat all people you meet with professionalism and kindness. That receptionist or secretary or maintenance man may offer his or her opinion of you to the boss. It will count.

·  Don’t let the employer’s casual approach cause you to drop your manners or professionalism. You should maintain a professional image. Don't address the interviewer by his or her first name unless you are invited to. 

·  Be aware of your non-verbal behaviours - sit straight, smile as often as you can, maintain eye contact but don't stare the interviewer down, lean forward but not invading the interviewer's space. Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.

·  Don't be shy or self-effacing. You want to be enthusiastic, confident and energetic, but not aggressive, pushy or egotistic. That fine line is important. If you find yourself trying to hard to sell yourself, you are probably crossing the line. Instead, pull back, be confident and reassuring and calm.

·  Don't make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others).

·  Listen very carefully to each question you are asked and give thoughtful, to-the-point and honest answers. Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. It is OK to take a few moments of silence to gather your thoughts before answering. Try not to "beat around the bush" or take a long time to give the answer the interviewer is seeking.

·  Do not merely answer Yes or No to questions asked. Try to go into detail where appropriate, drawing parallels and giving examples from your past experience.

·  Do not bring up salary unless the employer does. If you do not feel comfortable discussing this, state something along the lines of “ I’d be happy to accept your best offer, but I have asked InConsult Recruitment to negotiate on my behalf”.

·  At the end of the interview you will traditionally be asked if you have any questions. Show interest by enquiring about the company culture, philosophy or their future. This will help in determining whether the job is right for you.

·  Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any. Always thank the interviewer for his or her time at the close of the interview and establish a follow-up plan.

·  When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.

 

After the Interview:

 

·  After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical details.

·  If you are working with a search firm or recruiter, call that recruiter immediately while the facts of the interview are fresh on your mind. The recruiter will want to know what you thought went well and what you may have concerns about.

·  Send a thank you letter to the interviewer immediately. If there were several people that interviewed you, send them each a thank you note. It is good to keep the letter short but to also reiterate your interest in the position and your confidence in your qualifications.

 

We have taken every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article.  As it contains general information only, it should not be used as a basis for any decision. We will not be liable to any person or entity who relies on the information contained in this article.

Materials on this website, including data, pages, documents, online graphics, images and web pages, audio and video are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary..