16 Helpful interview tips

Your resume creates a good impression and you are soon going to be interviewed for the role. What next? Read through Quay Appointments’ 16 helpful interview tips that will ensure you create a positive and lasting impression at the interview. 

1.  Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, the correct pronunciation and title
2. Plan your route and start off early – Do a practice run if you are not sure. Should you be delayed, ring your consultant immediately so we can try to re arrange a suitable time for you.
3. Learn pertinent facts about the company such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations by looking up their website
4. First impressions count – good presentation is essential, dress smartly and in keeping with the type of company you are approaching, this also applies to make up and jewellery.
5. The interview is a two-way meeting, find an opportunity to mention key points about yourself, be positive about your achievements and remember at interviews you have to sell your candidature.
6. If presented with an application, fill it neatly and completely. Don’t rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.
7. Greet the employer with a warm smile and firm handshake. Walk in confidently and make eye contact. Sit when invited, don’t slouch and fold your arms – it makes you look nervous.
8. Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.
9. Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of being further considered. If you are not interested, your responsiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.
10. Don’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain whenever possible and describe things about yourself which relate to the situation.
11. Don’t make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.
12. Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc. on the initial interview your consultant will be able to give you advice on these matters.
13. If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know. If you feel the position is attractive and you want it, be a good salesperson and say something like: “I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here today; your company, its products and the people I’ve met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you’ve described to me.” The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.
14. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.
15. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. If you have answered the two questions – “Why are you interested in this position?” and “What can you offer?” – you have done all you can.
16. Don’t be too discouraged if no immediate commitment is made. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with other people in the company or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision.

Need additional guidance or an answer to a specific question you have? call Winsome Bernard at Quay Appointments for a confidential discussion.