"Fail to prepare, and you prepare to fail!”
You want to make the most of your interview, so don’t waste the opportunity by not being prepared. Making sure you know enough about your employer, have thought about the questions they might ask and have decided what to wear, will help you feel positive on the day.
Preparation is essential to maximise your chance of success so the more you know about your employer, the more confident you’ll feel. Use any information available to you through the internet (there website, news articles), brochures or even your detailed job description to gain a better understanding and feel for the company. Now if you are questioned on what you know about the company and why it appeals to you your answer will demonstrate an understanding of the organisation.
Prior to attending any interview you need to be aware of:
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Its structure (e.g. numbers of staff, departments and various locations)
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Who its competitors and customers are in the marketplace
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What products and services it offers or its main function
Don’t be afraid to call the company direct when researching your position, the people who work there will help you enormously. Call your interviewer direct to demonstrate your excellent telephone manner and enthusiasm or email your interviewer in advance to introduce yourself and build a rapport. This way you will feel more comfortable on the big day.
For the interview prepare a folder with your resume and samples of you work that you believe is relevant to the position. For example if you were applying for a journalism position, you could provide samples of your published work. If you use a portfolio ensure that it is simple, easy to digest in a short period (interviews can be only 20 minutes long in total) and that it demonstrates your abilities, skills and achievements.
You should also prepare questions to ask your interviewer, to clear up any queries you have about the position and to show that you’ve really thought about the job and are confident of getting it. Think about questions which relate to the position or alternatively some questions you could ask are:
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Why has the position become available?
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Are there training opportunities to develop my skills?
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Could you describe your company's management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
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How much guidance or assistance is made available to individuals in developing career goals?
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What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year?
Finally prepare a Preparation Proposal to demonstrate your understanding of the organization to show not only your dedication and enthusiasm towards the position, but your excellent research and written communications skills. Please ensure you use the correct pronunciation spelling for the interviewer and company’s name!
Remember it isn’t what a company can offer you but what you can bring to a company.
Don’t forget to prepare the appropriate documents to take to the interview in order to feel confident and well prepared:
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spare copies of your resume and application
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your planned answers to predicted questions
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academic transcripts
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written references
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copy of the original job advertisement
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an optional portfolio with samples of your work (if required)
Finally think positive! Everyone gets nervous at job interviews. It's just your body releasing adrenalin to help you focus and deal with the challenge at hand.
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Try taking slow deep breaths while you're waiting to go in and use the nerves to give you that little boost you need to do well.
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If you can, it's a good idea to have a dummy run before the interview, with a friend asking you the kind of questions you might be asked.
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Finally, don't leave things to chance, prepare as much as you can, including a map, directions and transport - after all it's better to be 20 minutes early then five minutes late.
You are going to be nervous when you go for the interview, this is natural. However, the more prepared you are, the easier it will be to cope with your nerves, the less you will actually have to think during the interview. Complete these simple steps and your dream job will be closer than you know.
Presentation/Dress Code
It's true; you are what you wear! Remember first impressions count. Sometimes employers will decide the fate of the candidate in the first 4-14 seconds of the meeting; based on their presentation.
Here's how to dress for the best possible outcome:
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Make sure that you look your best at the interview and take extra care with your appearance.
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Ensure that you look professional and are dressed for business. The interview is not a place to show off the latest fashion, but to impress your prospective employer.
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Your physical appearance is an important factor- get a good night’s sleep the night before you attend the interview so that you are feeling fresh and prepared.
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Research the prospective employer - companies and even industries have definable corporate cultures. Find out what the corporate uniform is - and wear it.
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Select an outfit you have worn before and are comfortable wearing.
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Try on the outfit a few days before - enough time to have drying-cleaning and repairs completed.
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Check the ensemble for missing buttons, frayed cuffs and other needed repairs.
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Everything must be clean, neat and ironed.
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No bulging pockets or sagging coat lining.
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Personal grooming; hair and nails must be clean.
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Scent should be low-key or absent.
The Fine Points
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Shoes should be comfortable and polished. Shoes that are well cared-for signal "Good attention to detail."
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Be parsimonious with scent - many people are allergic and too much perfume is an instant interview killer.
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Jewelry - real jewelry, if you have it. No jewelry is better than fake. No rhinestones cufflinks, no cloth watchbands, no novelty tie tacks.
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Clean and polish your briefcase or purse; organize the inside.
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A winter coat must be cleaned and pressed, particularly since a coat may be the main item your interviewer first sees.
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Your umbrella should be in conservative colors (black, tan, navy, gray) and in working order. Do not leave it to drip on the company carpet.
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Bring a pen and paper; check that the pen works and doesn't leak. Store them in the inside jacket pocket, where you can easily find them.
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Allow time to dress with care and deal with emergencies. Examine the results, front and back, in a mirror.
For men:
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Wear a dark suit with a plain shirt (usually white or light blue) and a plain tie.
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Natural fabrics – wool/wool blend for the suit, cotton for the shirt, silk for the tie.
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Business shoes (black or brown) and over the calf dark socks.
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Keep your clothing as conservative as possible.
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Keep jewellery to a minimum.
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Matching silk tie in low-key colours.
For Women:
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Wear a dark suit with a plain shirt underneath.
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If you are wearing a skirt, ensure that it is at knee length.
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Natural fabrics – wool/wool blend for suit, cotton or silk for shirt.
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Conservative colours – blue, grey, beige or black.
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Avoid loud and flashy colours.
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Keep jewellery to a minimum.
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If you decide to wear makeup, keep it natural and use limited eye makeup.
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Avoid any unnecessary visual distractions. If you have long hair, tie it back so that you don’t have hair falling in your eyes that needs to be pushed back.
There’s no impression like the first impression! If you’re in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is best to err on the side of conservatism. It is much better to be overdressed than underdressed. The better you are dressed, the more confident you will feel and exude.
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