Job interview tips for school and college leavers.

1. Job Interview Tips: !
The old expression, ‘you never get a second chance to make a first
impression’ applies perfectly to job interviews.
Research shows an employer will form an opinion about you in less than
30 seconds so follow these simple steps to make the right impression."
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Tip 1: What to Wear:!
Pick out what you are going to wear at the interview and try it on to
make sure there are no stains, missing buttons, broken zips, dirty shoes
and that it still fits. Dress up not down. Girls, no open toed or party
shoes, no short skirts and boys, no shorts, runners or tee shirts."
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Tip 2: Research:
Check out the employer’s website and search the web for information.
Make a note of the names of the people you will meet with. Also, identify
the skills you have acquired in part time jobs, and school activities and
then think how you would use these skills in the new job. Remember
KSA!"
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Tip 3: Rehearse:
Write out mock questions and hand these to a friend. Practice answering
questions such as ‘tell us about yourself?’ or ‘why do you want to work
here?’ Take feedback about your body language, eye contact, length
and quality of your answers and whether you are mumbling. Practising
over and over will soothe nerves and get you focused on what you have
to offer. "
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Tip 4: Tell me about Yourself:
This is a typical question you will hear in an interview. Be prepared for
this question and add it to your rehearsal list. Be concise but friendly.
Aim to combine a little personal information that will appeal to an
employer and suit the job you are going for.
For example, if the job is as a customer service team member in a call
centre then your answer could combine something about team sports or
some team activity you have done with a love of helping people. "
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Tip 5: Respect:
Punctuality is vital so aim to be about 10 minutes early. Being too early
can be as impolite as being late.
Switch off your mobile before you enter the building and then don’t touch
it again until you leave the building. Nothing irritates an employer more
than a person who interrupts an interview to take a phone call or even
glance at who has text them.
Smile and be polite to everyone you meet including the receptionist on
your way into the interview. It is not unusual for an employer to ask other
staff members what they thought of a job interview candidate so keep
that in mind.
Use a firm, dry hand shake, good eye contact and a smile when greeting
the interviewer. Have some water with you in case you get a dry throat.
Remember, you look great, you have researched the company and have
prepared well so try and relax. "
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Tip 6: Use the interview to Learn:
Be concise when answering questions but avoid just saying ‘yes’ and
‘no’. Also, ask questions about the employer and the tasks involved in
the job on offer. A job interview should be a two-way process. Use the
interview process to find out about a typical day on the job, what training
is offered, who your direct manager would be and a bit about them and
to get a sense of the workplace culture.
As a general rule, avoid asking about money. If you are offered the job,
then ask about the money. Job hunters have the most power at the point
where they have been offered the job but have not yet accepted. Be
careful not to over do this though you are just starting out and need the
experience. "
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At the interview always take the opportunity to talk about your KSA
(Knowledge, Skills and Attitude), don’t leave the interview until you have
spoken about yourself, and your skills and knowledge. You only have
one chance to say how good you are, take the chance!"
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Tip 7: Focus on the Skills You will Gain:
Every CEO, business owner and best employee had to start somewhere
usually at the very bottom. While you might view a job as unimportant or
low paid it could actually be a valuable stepping stone to the future if you
focus on what you will learn.
Skills such as customer service, team work, learning processes and
software programs are all great things to put on your updated resume
so value every opportunity to learn."
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Tip 8: Following up after the Interview:
It is a good idea to write the employer an email a day after the interview
to thank them for their time and restate your interest in the role. So don’t
forget to ask for the name card of the person that interviewed you."
An example thank you email could be like this:
Dear Mr XYZ,
I appreciate you taking the time to meet me and tell me more about the
job of XXXXXX and the ABC Company. I would also like to take this
opportunity to restate my interest in joining your team.
Yours sincerely,
Your name."
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Remember to follow these tips every time you have an interview.
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