Preparing for an Interview

It goes without saying that the interviewers first impression of you is very important. Whether you like it or not, many decisions are based on first reactions when you meet someone. Its important to dress appropriately for your interview:

What to wear (Women)

Wear a conservative suit or dress and pay attention to colour coordination If you want to wear a skirt with your jacket make sure its not too short just below the knee is correct Steer clear of anything revealing that shows too much flesh. e subtle with your make!up and ensure it complements your face "arring that are too long and dangly are irritating choose small ones. #ont wear bangles that jangle and may distract the interviewer Wear comfortable shoes that are formal and conservative the more they cover your feet the better. $ake sure your shoes are clean and%or polished. &eep your hair our of your face and ensure that it is neat #ont wear too much fragrance

What to wear (Men)

Wear a black, dark!blue, or dark!grey suit, a tie and a white or blue long sleeved shirt White socks are '(). )he colour of your socks must match your pants *our tie must be properly knotted and remember, a stiff collar always looks neater than the soft button down kind Steer clear of ties with cartoon characters. )he smaller the detail on your tie the more professional "nsure your shoes are polished and never wear brown, cream or suede shoes with a business suit.

How to prepare
+ositive thinking will boost your self!confidence "nsure youre well prepared $ake sure you make eye contact with the interviewer ,in the case of a panel interview, make eye contact with everyone dont focus on one person and ignore the others e prepared for the type of .uestions that may crop up and practise your responses beforehand in front of the mirror If you believe in yourself so will others

Donts
#ont be late. +eople couldnt care less if you have transport problems +eople arent all jokers so avoid cracking jokes and dont use slang or swear words /ose the chewing gum and be aware of what you do with your hands dont fiddle, it will make you appear uncertain )ell the interviewer if you dont know the answer to a .uestion. It immediately shows youre honest

 #ont look down0 it will make you look shy and inade.uate. It could also create the impression that youve lost interest #ont speak without thinking first #ont interrupt the interviewer when you think you know what theyre going to ask. Wait for the full .uestion, and maybe follow up .uestions, DO O! I !"##$P! !H" I !"#%I"W"# #ont 1abble take deep breaths before, during and after entering the interview room. +ace your words in reply, take your time to consider your answer rather than rushing into your answer. #ont go into detail about something personal that could be to your disadvantage at work #ont flood the interviewer with information when they say 2)ell me about yourself3. +repare a statement which is relevant to the particular vacancy ,starting with the present company and giving brief summaries of any achievements-.

Dos
e yourself during an interview natural, open and willing to provide information 4nnounce yourself confidently at reception and be friendly 4 pleasant facial e5pression is important0 smile and make eye contact with the interviewer, shake hands $aintain eye contact throughout the interview Wait for the person to invite you to sit down. Walk steadily to your place and take time to sit down. ,#ont race or rush- e natural and sit straight in the chair ,dont slouch- )hen look up, clearly waiting to be spoken to. *our face reflects how you feel0 dont sit there e5pressionless &now your 67 backwards so that you dont contradict yourself "nsure your hands are visible. +ut them on your lap or if youre at a desk place them on the desk. If interviewers cant see your hands they might unconsciously wonder what you are hiding /isten carefully make sure youre answering the .uestion thats been asked. Stick to providing what has been re.uested 4sk .uestions about the duties and responsibilities relating to the job 8efer to previous relevant e5perience and e5plain why youre confident you can do the job "nd the interview with a smile and shake the interviewers hand before leaving &riteria 'uestions: 2It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.3 +repare in advance some e5amples, which show that you are the right person for the job. /ikely criteria are9 Initiative Stress tolerance 4daptability /eadership +roblem 4nalysis Interpersonal skills )eam attitude 8eliability +ersuasiveness Innovation

 #elegation #iligence Systematic (nowing how to handle )uestions: 4nswering a .uestion with a .uestion ,:a genius is someone who shoots at a target no one else sees and hits it- )his is a useful techni.ue for .uestions that dont have the right answer. 4nswering a .uestion with a statement. ,: elieve in yourself and you will always prevail.- #ont answer .uestions that show you in bad light. 4sking for the answer ,)he interviewer may not always be right, but the interviewer is always the interviewer.-

': +:

"*ample: #o you think you have the right e5perience for this position;

+erhaps you can tell me a bit more about e5actly what you are looking for. #o you need someone who has speciali<ed in ;;;;; 6hanging the .uestion ,'pportunities are often things you havent noticed first time around+lease note that it is important to give a brief summary of yourself as well as your work description in complete detail. 4lso note that all .uestions should be answered as situational. It is always better to give relevant situations and then the correct answers, for e*ample9 the outcome0 who was involved0 was it positive or negative.

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