Make sure you are well prepared and appropriately dressed for your interview. You should be confident, open and polite, but not submissive: try to be yourself. Avoid both over-estimating and under-estimating yourself. Don’t hide behind your outfit – choose clothes that suit you and the vacancy in question.
Arrive on time for the interview. It doesn’t look good if you arrive late, but getting there far too early is not good either.
Don’t forget to bring copies of all your certificates with you to the interview to hand over to the customer or consultant.
Prepare yourself thoroughly for the interview. Ask yourself the following questions: “What are my strengths? Why should company xy pick me for this job?” Think about things you would like to know from your possible future employer about the company or the vacancy. Respond to the interviewer and talk when asked. But don’t forget to listen as well.
Check out the information on the company’s homepage and read their Annual Report, Facts & Figures, product descriptions and company philosophy. Whatever the management style, hierarchy or corporate culture, make sure you bring your opinion and experience on the subject into the interview. This kind of research will also help you identify good reasons why you consider yourself to be the most suitable candidate for the job.
If you are applying for a job through an HR consultant, the name of the actual company will generally not be made known in advance. In such a case, you will not be able to gather any information on your potential future employer as you will not be told who they are until the interview. However, if you do know who the company is, make sure you are prepared enough to hold a serious conversation about the company or other issues relevant to the industry or sector. This show an obvious interest and professional approach.
If you don’t get the job in the end, don’t be too disheartened. A company’s decision for or against a particular candidate often depends on issues outside your control. Take advantage of the HR consultant’s experience and ask what they think you could do better the next time, then focus on your next application and interview. Back to Hints for Job Seekers |
