Preparation is the name of the game when it comes to interviews. Time spent preparing for an interview is a worthwhile investment in you career. These tips might seem obvious at first but when feeling the stress you can easily forget the basics!
- Research the company thoroughly: their website, recent articles on the company, their products, size of the company, department size, financial results, international connections, to which group or holding company they belong to, their market share, culture, mission statement and values.
- Familiarize yourself with the job description and details of the position including responsibilities, reporting lines and key performance areas. Ensure that you prepare pertinent business questions.
- Double check the date, time and location of the interview and be familiar with the name and title of the interviewer. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Familiarize yourself with the journey to the location, to ensure you arrive in plenty of time. Anticipate delays, especially on unknown routes. Contact your interviewer swiftly if you are unavoidably delayed on the day.
- Remember that you start making an impression on your prospective employer the moment you arrive at reception. Be courteous to the receptionist and any other staff you may meet prior to your interview. Their opinion of you is often sought and may even have some influence on the final selection.
- First impressions last, so make it your best. Most employers believe that people who look as if they care about themselves are more likely to care about their job. Your goal should be to come across in the best possible light professional in the way you dress, in your gestures, facial expressions and in your communication.
