Research

Find out as much as possible about the company. The interviewer will rightly see your efforts as a sign of commitment. 

 

Your CV

Ensure you know what is on your CV, including dates and any explanations for gaps in your work history. 

 

Presentation

The interviewer will expect to see your smartest, most professional side during this meeting, whether face to face or virtually.   First impressions matter. Interview attire should be smart business wear.

 

Phone

No one wants to be interrupted by a phone call or messaging service. Ensure the phone is on silent 

 

Punctuality

Be punctual. Try to arrive 15 minutes early. If you do find yourself unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately giving the reason and your estimated time of arrival.

 

Prepare answers to possible questions 

Make sure you are clear about why you would be ideal for the role, and the qualities you can bring to the company. Interviewers love questions such as ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ Select weaknesses can be remedied and turned into an advantage.
 

Other examples:-

 

Why should I hire you?

A candidate who is caught off- guard with this question shows general lack of preparedness for the interview. Given the time allotted for interviews, a candidate should be ready to fire off a number of qualifications, skills and attributes that convincingly make him or her as the best person for the job.

 

What was your greatest achievement at work?

The answer will give you an idea of what the candidate considers important or valuable at work.

 

What are the 3 most outstanding attributes that you could bring to the company if we hired you?

This question puts the candidate in a position to evaluate his or her own strengths and articulate how these could contribute to the success of the company

 

Tell me of a situation whereby you had to overcome obstacles in order to accomplish your goal.

This question will give you valuable insights on the following:

– Which types of situations the candidate considers as a problem

– The problem-solving process of the candidate

– How the candidate gets their co-workers involved in addressing the situation

 

How would you describe your relationship with your former employer?

Will you frame the answer in a positive and constructive manner? Or will you use the opportunity to bad mouth your former employer?

A person who views experiences in a positive light, regardless of the end result, is someone who can manage difficulties at work.  Never bad mouth your employer