Giving an Excellent Interview for Permanent Roles

---

Check list before attending the interview

• Do you have a map / directions?
• Have you details about the company and the job? Use the Internet or library to gain additional information on products and financial status.
• Are you certain of the name, position and pronunciation of the person(s) you are meeting?
• Dress appropriately; all kinds of assumptions are made on the appearance people present in the first three minutes.
• Be punctual allowing plenty of time to find the location, park the car etc.

Have you prepared yourself to answer standard interview questions such as;

• Why did you choose a career in ………………?
• Why do you want to (or why did you leave) your current employer?
• What are your strengths / weaknesses?
• What have been your greatest achievements and why?
• What skills can you bring to this role?
• What ambitions do you have for the future?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• What does teamwork mean to you?

Have you prepared a list of questions you may wish to ask the interviewer? Such as;

• What is the company's strategy and business plan
• Can you give me a detailed description of the position 
• Why has the position become available
• What is your potential career path within the organisation
• What induction/training is given/available in this role
• Can you describe the culture of the company

At the interview

• Remember to smile.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
• Treat the receptionists and secretaries with courtesy.
• Take the interview seriously your attitude is every bit as important as your qualifications.
• Look the interviewer in the eye. Look and act alert.
• Be enthusiastic and show you are reasonably informed about the organisation and the role.
• Listen when the interviewer is talking but by all means ask intelligent / searching questions.
• Avoid one word answers (especially No).
• Be honest, but also ensure you actively promote your skills and potential.
• Do not over answer questions.
• Stick to the point.

• If you are not sure, or do not understand the question always ask for clarification.
• If you have any doubts about the vacancy or the company you should keep them to yourself during the interview.
• If you do not know the answer to a question, say so.
• As the interview draws to a close ask how you have done. If the interviewer is evasive or negative ask them to clarify their reservations.
• Then respond positively outlining your strengths.

At the end of the interview ask questions such as;

• What is the next stage of the selection process?
• Is there another interview, if so, who will be attending, when will this be arranged, what will be the objective?
• How many people are left to be interviewed?
• How do you compare to the other candidates?
• How will a decision be made and by whom?

Thank the interviewer for his or her time.

After the interview