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How To Behave At An Interview
If an employer has invited you to an Interview, it means they think you
have the skills to do the
job and they like what they initially see in
you - you have completed the first step! At this point, you need to
make sure you back up everything they know already and highlight those
skills that are most suited the role you are going for.
Interviews are nerve-racking and can create a
great deal of stress and sleep deprivation. It is only through time and
experience that the Interview process becomes easier and less daunting
so here a few pointers to help you along.
So, how can you best prepare, what are the best
ways to behave in the interview and what can you do afterwards to learn
from the experience.
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Top Tips at TipTopJob
ˇ Thorough research and self-awareness
ˇ Be careful not to be over-confident - you do not want to come across
as arrogant!
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Preparation
There are several factors that are a must when it comes to preparing
for your
Interview. The more prepared you are and the more knowledge
you have, the less nervous you will be.
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Research the company, its position in the marketplace, its strength,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Know who their competition is,
how big they are, what its reputation is like, their mission and goals.
Read up on the recent news with regards to the company just in case you
are asked about the company itself.
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Prepare some of the common interview questions that are asked, e.g. why
do you want to leave your current role and what can you bring to the
company. When you are working out your answers, try to use practical
examples and relate the skills you highlight to those they require for
the job you are going for. Do not memorise the answers as you may be
asked the questions in a different way - you need to be able to adapt
your answers and tailor them to a question that is asked in a slightly
different way.
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Prepare a list (although not too many) of questions that you wish to
ask them at the end of the Interview. This makes you look keen and
interested in the company itself.
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Read through your CV and cover letter so you are familiar with what
they already know about you and what they may ask you further questions
about.
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Remember - it is a two-way process and you are deciding if the role and
company are just as suited to what you are looking for, as you are
suited to them. Try to establish if that is the type of culture you
want to work in and are their employees the type of people you want to
be around day-to-day.
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Ensure you know the date, time and location and make sure you get there
early. It is better to wait in a nearby café than to be rushing in with
you hair all over the place. Make allowance for traffic and train
delays and if you are unsure where the interview is to be held, do a
practice run to see how long it will take.
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Prepare what you will wear and ensure you are dressed smartly and
professionally to give the company a good impression.
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At the Interview
Make sure you have turned your mobile phone off before you get to the
building - this can be a BIG mistake.
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First impressions count, so it is important you are not rude to the
receptionist and you are polite and friendly to everyone you come into
contact. Introduce yourself to the person who greets you and state your
name and whom you have come to see. When you meet the Interviewer, give
them a firm handshake and smile at all times.
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Answer all questions after carefully thinking about the answers - do
not rush into blurting out the answers. It is much better to pause or
to confirm what they mean before flying into an answer.
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With every answer, attempt to have practical examples so you can
highlight your skills and abilities through what you have actually
done. Give explanations to your answers.
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Do not lie as this could come back to hit you in the face. If you get
caught out, you will not be
employed, as the company will not be able
to trust you. It is also obvious to see when someone is lying through
his or her body language.
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Try to slip information you know about the company throughout the
interview to impress them.
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Never be negative about previous employers or people you have worked
with in the past, as this will not make you look good. Try to be
positive in every way.
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Do not forget to ask them your questions at the end.
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At the end, thank them for their time and say you look forward to
hearing from them. Ask them when they think they will be making
decisions and when you will be likely to hear from them.
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After The Interview
If you were not successful, most companies will provide feedback as to
what you need to improve on. However, if not, call them up and ask them
directly as this will help you to prepare for future interviews.
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In any case, keep all your preparation notes for next time and reflect
on the Interview - good and bad points. Try to identify any mistakes
you feel you may have made and how these could be improved upon next
time.
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The best way to improve is through practice, so use every interview as
a learning curve and learn from each and every one you attend.
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Other relevant Career articles......
Telephone
Interview Advice
Interview
Questions you may be asked
Challenging Interview Questions
15 Reminders of what NOT to do at Interviews
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