Preparation

Preparation and Interview
Preparation
Interview
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Interview Tips

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The more prepared you are for the interview, the better your chances are of being offered employment. To improve your performance in job interviews, use the RIGHT guidelines.

Research the company.

• Speak with someone who uses the companies services (if possible)
• Check with the Chamber of Commerce for information.
• Visit the company - - introduce yourself, observe the office and what people are wearing, ask for printed information about the company
• Generally find out if this is where you would want to work..

Preparation and Motivation

• Read the job description (if you have one, if not contact the company and request one.   You do want to know what the company is asking for.).
• How would you dress?  Be smart.
• What personal qualities would you use?  Be polite and friendly.
• Think about why you want to work for this business.
• Prepare yourself by making a list of what you have to offer this business such as skills, training, previous experience and an interest in learning.
• Paint a picture of yourself in that job. It helps to get grounded in the job and ready for selling yourself.
• Visualize yourself conducting an excellent job interview. This may sound a little far-fetched, but it really does work. A lot of athletes who spend time visualizing an excellent performance tend to perform more successfully.
• Practise with a friend, family member or even in front of a mirror. The more practise you have, the more relaxed you will feel.
• Know the place and time of the interview and the name of the person who will be interviewing you. Remember it may be more than one person.
• Arrive early. This will give you time to relax and feel confident.

Create a list of Questions you think may be asked.

• Think about the kinds of questions you might be asked. Write out some answers. Better still, role-play the interview with a friend. This will give you the opportunity to identify any areas you need to work on. With practice you will build self confidence and be able to focus on building rapport which will make a positive impression on the interviewers.
  
  Typical questions employers ask include:
  
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • What strengths can you bring to this type of work?
  • How well do you work under supervision?
  • How well do you work under pressure?

Create a list of Questions to ask the Interviewer(s)

• A job interview is not only about persuading an employer to hire you. It's an opportunity for you to see if the job is going to be right for you. Figure out what's important for you in a job (e.g. variety of tasks, structured or fluid work environment). Brainstorm some questions that you can ask. This will not only help you to determine if this is the right place for you to work, it will let your interviewer know that you have given this job serious consideration and that you are an organized and thoughtful worker. Here are some sample questions to ask the employer:
  
  • What do you look for in people who join this organization?
  • What is the work environment like?
  • What are the main responsibilities of this job?
  • What are the workday expectations?

Take copies of you Cirriculum Vitae and any other relevant information

Prepare a folder to take to the interview which contains:

• extra copies of your Cirriculum Vitae
• letters of recommendation or a list of references
• blank paper and a pen for notes
• company information and list of questions you have prepared
• any other certificates or qualification documents

Phone to confirm your interview time and the address of the meeting place.
Figure out the best route to the company (by car or bus) before the interview day.
Always dress one step above what you might wear if you got the job. If you're not sure what the standard dress is, drop by the office and observe what people are wearing.
If possible, check your appearance in the restroom before arriving at the interview.
Introduce yourself to the receptionist (if applicable), mention your appointment, thank him or her and wait quietly.
While waiting for your interview, review your notes and read job-related material.
Try to relax while you are waiting; drink some water if you can!