INTERVIEW PREPARATION

A successful job interview

The interview can be one of the most important events in your life. The thirty minutes or so that you spend with the interviewer can determine your first or next career move. It is essential you prepare.

Interviewers are continually amazed at the number of candidates who attend interview without any apparent preparation and only the faintest idea of what they are going to say. Other candidates create an impression of indifference by acting too casually. At the other extreme, a few candidates work themselves into such a state of anxiety that they seem to be a complete nervous wreck.

These instances can be avoided by knowing a little of what is actually expected of you and by making a few simple preparations before the interview.

Preparing for the Interview

Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview. By researching the following points, you will be better prepared for the interview.

1. Know the exact time and place of the interview, the interviewer's full name, title and correct pronunciation. Go and visit the company out of hours - know how long it will take to get there.

2. Research the following points:

   The Company: Know their history. Use Kompass/Kelly's from local library. Visit the company's website.

   The Product: Know and understand the product range. Get product literature from the Company or website. Find out who the competitors are, get their product literature and find out their strengths and weaknesses.

   The Job: Make written notes on how you perceive the job, the responsibilities involved, and how you would assume all the duties required of the role.