Interview Day

Preparation and Interview
Preparation
Interview
Followup
Interview Tips

Links and further resources
Aptitude Testing
Psycometric Testing
Other Resources

Contact
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What to do

When you walk into the interviewer's office, follow these tips:

• Stand until the interviewer invites you to sit.
• Place any personal belongings beside you or on the floor.
• Address the interviewer as Ms. or Mr. unless you're asked to use a first name.
• Don't slouch or fidget; sit upright and be attentive.
• Don't chew gum or smoke cigarettes.
• Answer the interviewer's questions with confidence.

What questions you may be asked.

• Why do you want to work here?
• What interests you most about this job?
• Have you done this type of work before?
• Why should we hire you and not someone else?
• What skills can you bring to this job?
• Tell me about yourself, your hobbies and other interests.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How well do you work with other people?
• What did you enjoy most about your last job?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Why have you been unemployed for so long?
• What are your plans for the future?
• What level of wage or salary do you want?
• Who can we contact for a reference?

What questions you may ask the Interviewer.

When the interviewer finishes questioning you, it's your turn to ask questions. To evaluate the job and the institution, ask about the following:

• staffing policies
• advancement opportunities
• continuing education
• salary
• working conditions and work shifts
• employee benefits
• Could you tell me more about the job?
• Where would I be working?
• Who would I be working with?
• What are the dress standards?
• Are there other conditions or requirements?
• When will you decide who gets the job?
• When should I phone you to find out how my interview has gone?

Please remember that these are only suggestions.  Please use your common sense when asking questions at any interview.  Salary is one of the most commonly asked questions, do not just dive in and grill the interviewer about what you will be paid, it will not be appreciated.  Take the time to evaluate what you have been discussing, and ask pertinent questions to the situation.

Always note down anything that has been said or discussed, especially if you would like to know more information about it.  Write down the questions you wish to ask before the Interview, this way you will not forget them due to nerves.

What an interviewer can and can't ask. In an interview for a job, you'll be answering a host of questions. You can expect most of them to be fair and proper. Some questions, however, are inappropriate or even prohibited by law (depending where you are in the world). If you're asked such a question, don't feel obligated to answer. You can discreetly refuse to answer or turn the conversation to another subject.

Summing Up

• give a copy of your CV to the interviewer (if you haven't already)
• be relaxed, friendly, polite and most of all be yourself. An employer is only human, so they may be feeling nervous about the interview too
• check your body language, for example keep good eye contact
• listen carefully to the questions asked and give clear and direct answers
• if you do not hear or understand a question ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it
• be honest and open
• tell the employer why you think you are the right person for the job
• remember to thank the employer for the interview.