Preparing for successful job interviews

Tips for job Interviews

Job interviews are about presenting your self and your experience to another person (s).

This tips for interviews covers the;

  • Need to prepare for the job interview,

  • Types of questions you may be asked during the job interview,

  • Questions you need to be able to deliver

Preparation is Key

Know what is on your resume ? e.g. if you have list of courses that you attended on your resume, know what they are? during the job interview, you may be asked about them.

Ensure you are aware of your employment dates ? e.g. When did you join your current employer. How long were you in your previous job?

Have questions that you wish to ask during the job interview, this will indicate that you are prepared and have conducted the necessary research on the organization. Tips on preparing for the interview

Memorize highlights and achievements of your career / student life ? this will add credibility when asked questions around this area

Research

  • You will need to research the organization;

  • Read up on the company's website,

  • Financial statements

  • Brochures that may be available.

This will allow you to get an indication of the culture of the organization (e.g. bureaucratic / risk taking / progressive etc). Formulate job interview questions around this information. This interview tip will indicate your preparedness and initiative you have taken.

Make sure you know where the job interview is to take place ? ensure your directions are clear ? you do not want to be late for the interview.

Ensure your dress is appropriate for the type of job you are applying for, as well as the organization culture.

Job Interview Questions

Most Recruiters use what is called Behavioural Based Interview Techniques. What this means is that past behaviour depict present or future behaviour. For example, if you have shown initiative in the past, in all likelihood, you will display initiative in the future.

Tips for interviews in this instance would be that the interviewee would ask you for a specific example of when you displayed initiative (otherwise you might just be stating that Yes, I do show initiative in everything that I do. How to ensure a successful interview

But, when asked ?Give me an example of when you displayed initiative, it becomes quite tricky if you have not actually displayed any initiative! It is the behaviour of what you have actually achieved or done in your past job or whilst a student that becomes important.

Some other tips for interviews questions would be:

  • Give me an example of when you were under a highly pressurized situation, and how did you handle it?

  • Give me an example of when you had to adjust to a new situation? what was the situation and how did you handle it?

  • Give me an example of a new system you introduced in your present job?

Tip for interviews Examples

By now you will have noticed how important it is to give actual examples during the interview ? this is what separates the talkers, from the doers. Another tip for interviews, ask yourself which category do you fall into? Are you happy with your response?.

If not?

Take careful note of this Tips for Interivews section. If you can provide actual examples as opposed to how you would? do something, it will contribute greatly towards your credibility and suitability for the post.

Identify the competencies required for the job you are applying for. Tips on assessing interview panels and your approach

Think about how you have displayed competency in that area by remembering those specific circumstances which you can relate during the interview

Inspirational Quote

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement." Foster C. Mcclellan. How to write a resume education section