Following these 5 simple steps can help you to prepare and overcome any fear you may have before you go for interview:
1. Don’t be late:
Time keeping and time management are top qualities that potential employers will look for. Know the exact time and location of your interview. A tool like Google maps is invaluable in this instance; plan your route and the time it will take to get to your location. Always factor in traffic and if you are really keen do a “dry run”. Punctuality is one of the first things you will be judged on and the first hurdle to overcome.
2. Don’t act casually:
Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization. Take it seriously and professionally, you never know you could end up running the place….. one day!
3. Don’t ignore other panel members:
Panel interviews or interviews with more than one person can be uncomfortable for some. The main thing to remember, even if only one person is asking questions, is that you should aim to direct your answers to more than just the person asking you the questions. Look at each of the interviewers as you are speaking and engage with everyone in the room.
4. Don’t give a weak weakness:
A question that comes up often in interview is “what would you consider to be your weakness”? Think about a skill you have improved on during your previous job, so you are showing the interviewer that you can make improvements when necessary. Analyse the key skills and strengths required for the position you are interviewing for and then come up with an honest shortcoming which is not essential for success in that job.
5. Don’t ask about salary:
Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary. Don’t ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer.
If you are prepared well, dressed appropriately, have done your research on the company / position and employ the above don’ts your well on your way to securing the position you are interviewing for.
by Sam Rumball
