Job Interview Tips

Having an interview can be a daunting and worrying experience and can often leave you feeling as if you didn’t give your best. To ensure you turn any interview into a rewarding and positive experience you need to invest in some careful thought and planning prior to your meeting.

1. Your CV on its own will not get you the job. A CV and covering letter can secure an interview, but you still must sell yourself and build a rapport with the interviewer.
2. Once you've sent off your CV, don't just wait - be proactive. Do some research on the company and follow up.
3. Getting a phone call doesn't mean an employer is especially interested. It could be a screening interview, so listen carefully, keep responses and questions focused, and remember your goal is to be invited in.
4. Your goals at an interview are to be given and find out information, and then be invited back for a second interview.
5. Try to anticipate the areas that the questions will cover, such as your achievements, job progression, personality, strengths, weaknesses and goals - and prepare for those.
6. If you arrive late for the interview, don't make up an elaborate excuse - because the damage has already been done.
7. If the interviewer asks about your weaknesses, avoid saying that you don't have any. Talk about a weakness that has no relationship to the job, or one that you have improved upon.
8. Do ask questions about the role. The quality of questions asked by interviewees can make the difference.
9. If asked about your salary expectations, state a range based upon salaries comparable for the position. But make sure you are willing to accept the lower figure.
10. Before leaving, find out what the next step is. Then write a letter that day thanking the interviewer for their time and summarise how your skills and achievements can best meet the employer's needs.