Interview Tomorrow

I work in recruitment and this is what we send out, good luck today fella:

Interview Preparation Guidelines:

1.   RESEARCH THE ORGANISATION / WEBSITE
Find out as much as you can about the company. This kind of preparation will help you answer some specific questions and may suggest some questions you would like to ask. It also shows your interest in the company and this will influence the employer's interest in you. Being able to converse intelligently about the company will create a very favourable impression.

2.   PREPARE
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, your skills and talents, your ambitions, your experiences and your values. It is important to have a clear idea of who you are, what you want and where you are going. You need to have confidence in yourself (but NEVER be overconfident). Frequently, employers will ask one of the following open-ended questions: “Tell me about yourself”, "Why should we hire you?" or "What can you do for us?". Be prepared.

3.   BE ON TIME
Fifteen minutes early is a good rule. This will allow you to present yourself to the receptionist in a relaxed and composed manner.

4.   APPEARANCE
Present yourself professionally and conservatively. Remember, the company is interested in finding someone who is comfortable with their culture, not someone who is interested in making a fashion statement. Avoid the overuse of cologne/perfume as it will not help and may hurt. Your appearance is an expression of your inner state of mind. Being poorly dressed shows lack of good taste and an apathetic attitude. In other words, "dress for success". You only get one chance to make a first impression. Interviewers will size you up within 30 seconds of laying their eyes on you. The first impression is a lasting one.

5.   GREETING
Be pleasant and engaging. Maintain a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. Good eye contact, a strong handshake and a confident smile will get everything off to a good start. Remember, the interviewer is looking for someone to hire; they like your resume or you wouldn’t be there. Greet the interviewer(s) by their last name(s) in a friendly, but businesslike manner. Don't use the interviewer’s first name unless specifically asked to do so.

6.   COMPOSURE
Remain standing until you are offered a seat. Once seated, sit erectly; do not slouch. Place your arms and hands on the armrests of the chair. Be certain that your body language is natural and complementary to the discussion. Leaning back could give the impression of a lax attitude. A defensive person will be closed off (i.e. folded arms across the chest). Maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
It is natural to be nervous in anticipation of an interview. Remember though, it is a meeting of those with a mutual interest. Interviewers are sometimes stern without intending to be. You are there at their invitation.

7.   NOTES
Bring a pen and paper, but avoid taking notes during your interview. Immediately following the interview, jot down key points that you want to remember.

8.   ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Indicate the impact you have had while working for your current and previous employer(s). This would include any major accomplishments and organisational changes that you have created/implemented. This is a good time to share ideas about what you can do for the interviewer's company. Have a plan before the interview.

9.   PROBLEM SOLVING AND THINKING SKILLS
Demonstrate that you have the ability to solve job-related problems and that you anticipate what needs to be done. If you have been able to see the job description (if not, ask your consultant to provide something similar), look at the duties and visualise events that may occur and how you would rectify the situation. Also consider your own role and how you have solved problems that have occurred in the past.

10.   LEADERSHIP
Let the interviewer know that you have the ability to persuade and motivate others. Team leadership is a component of both management and personality. Share management ability and style and organisational skills.

11.   YOUR QUESTIONS
Be prepared to ask several questions at the end of the interview, but avoid questions about compensation or benefits.

12.   INTEREST
If, at the conclusion of the interview, you are still interested in the position, be certain that the interviewer knows this. Indicate that you want to pursue the opportunity and ask what the next step will be.

13.   STAY POSITIVE
Even if, during the interview, your instincts tell you that the position isn’t right for you, keep that to yourself for now. Once home, you may change your mind. If, after thinking about it further, you still feel the position is not a good fit for you, make sure you take yourself out of consideration professionally. If appropriate, let the company know that you would like to keep the door open for future opportunities.