Ace Your Job Interview

Now that you’ve got your foot in the door, the job interview is your one chance to make a great impression. Vanessa Cowan shows you how.

Preparing For The Interview
Interviewers look for someone who can present themselves well in a face-to-face situation. The job interview gives you the opportunity to sell yourself. Remember the following when preparing for your interview:

• Rehearse answers to question likely to be asked, specifically in relation to the position being applied for.
• Prepare two or three questions you would like to ask.
• Be punctual on the day of the interview.
• Dress appropriately for the position you are applying for.

During The Interview

• Listen to the questions – if you don’t understand one, ask the interviewer to rephrase.
• Answer concisely.
• Talk about your skills, contributions and experience as they relate to the job. Use action words to emphasise that you are a doer.
• Smile, maintain eye contact, project self-confidence, even when describing weaknesses or failures. Never apologise for yourself, as this draws attention to the problem.
• Market yourself by describing how you will benefit the company.

After The Interview

• Send a follow-up thank-you letter to express your enthusiasm.
• Call the interviewer back if you do not hear from him/her at the expected time.

Standard Interview Questions:
There is definitely a common set of questions which apply to many jobs. Here are a few hints on how to translate common questions and a layout of how the interview may run, so you can really ace it!

A: Openers
The familiar tell-me-about-yourself introduction to your interview. Rehearse a one to two minute talk on who you are: your work experience, attitudes towards work and your goals and accomplishments.

B: Questions Related To Your Work Experience

• Have you ever done this kind of work before?
• Why should we hire you and not someone else?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Give an example of a time when you’ve worked under pressure before and give examples of activities which involved deadlines.

C: Education/Training/Future Goals

• What are your long-term goals?
• Why do you want to work here?

D: Personal

• Why are there gaps in your experience?

E: Closure

• Do you have any questions?