Interview Basics

Peparing for your interview

Get well prepared for the interview

Be ready to answer questions about yourself and your career

Show your interest in the interviewing company

Try to make the best impression

Making the best impression

Arrive on time or a few minutes early, late arrival for a job interview is never excusable

Fill out any application neatly and completely

Keep your personal resume and give it to the person who will actually do the interview

Greet the interviewer by name if you are sure of the pronunciation

Shake hands firmly

Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting, sit upright in your chair

Look alert and interested at all times, be a good listener as well as a good talker, smile

Look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk to him/her

Give detailed answers to questions and use examples whenever possible

Communicate your good points to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner

Never lie, answer questions truthfully, frankly and as to the point as possible

Make only positive remarks about your present or former employers or companies

Wait until the second interview to inquire about SALARY, HOLIDAYS, BONUSES

Know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary range

Act as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing

Never close the door on opportunity

Ask for the position if you are interested in it

Ask for the next interview of the situation demands

Make sure the interviewer understands why you are interested in the job and the company, what you can offer, and that you can do the job

Make sure the interviewer knows your personal contact details and has informed you of the next step, for example second interview or follow-up phone call

Contact the company yourself if you have not heard anything from them within 3 days

Things to avoid

Poor personal appearance and failure to look interviewer in the eye

Being overbearing - aggressive - conceited "superiority complex" - "know - it - all"

Inability to express thoughts clearly - poor diction or grammar

Lack of planning for career - no purpose or goals

Lack of interest and enthusiasm-passive and indifferent

Lack of confidence, nervousness, and making excuses for weak factors in record

Over-emphasis on money and a persistent attitude of "What can you do for me?"

Failure to ask good questions about the job and company

Lack of preparation for interview - failure to get information about the company