Preparing for the interview
Thorough preparation is critical. It is great for your confidence in the interview room and it leaves a very positive impression with the interviewers.
ONE
GET THE LOGISTICS RIGHT.
Time, location, interviewer's name and position title.
TWO
DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Find out as much as possible about the company: size, scope, location of branches and offices, financial/share performance, range of products and services, etc. The company website and annual report are two very good sources.
THREE
DO SOME MORE RESEARCH.
Make sure you have key data in your head about your existing and most recent employers.
FOUR
DO EVEN MORE RESEARCH.
Ask former co-workers to tell you about your professional traits. What did they most admire? Try to find some faults as well. This leaves you more prepared for questions such as "what are your greatest faults" or "if I were working with you ...".
PREPARE QUESTIONS.
The employer will be trying to work out whether you fit the available role. You should also take the opportunity to ensure that the company is right for you.
FIVE
SIX
PRACTICE (see below).
Take time to run through some of your answers. Don't over-rehearse, but make sure that you are coming across confidently.
SEVEN
PRESENT YOURSELF WELL.
Find out what the company culture is regarding business dress. If in doubt, go more formal, not less formal. Make sure you are well groomed on the day.
Interview Questions You May Be Asked
Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
Why are you interested in this position?Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.
What are the most significant accomplishments in your career?Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.
Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.
What do you know about our organization?
How would you describe your personality?
How do you perform under pressure?
What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
What did you like least about your last position?
Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?
What is your ideal working environment?
How would your colleagues describe you?
What do you think of your boss?
Have you ever fired anyone?
What was the situation and how did you handle it?
Are you creative?
What are your goals in your career?
Where do you see yourself in two years?
Why should we hire you?
What kind of salary are you looking for?
What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?
What you should practice
Be descriptive.
Don't just answer "yes" or "no" to questions. But also avoid "over-answering." Make your answers colorful but not lengthy.
Sell yourself.
Sell yourself to the interviewer, but without exaggeration or telling lies. You are there to market yourself, "blow your own trumpet" and explain why you'd be right for the role. But don't come across as arrogant.
Avoid negativity.
Avoid making negative remarks about your current employer, or past employers or colleagues. This will only reflect on you in the interview.
Be determined.
Make it clear that you want to get the job, even if you are given information in the interview that sheds a new light on the role. Be positive, and then evaluate the opportunity again when you are away from the interview. Don't burn your bridges.
Be positive.
Have positive body language, and maintain a good posture.