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1.
What do I wear to an interview?
Dress smartly preferably in a suit. Both men and women should wear conservative
clothes, men ensure your shirts are ironed and your tie is not too garish.
Women have the option to wear trousers or a skirt, and shoes should
be sensible.
2.
What does an interview entail?
If you have reached the interview stage the employer has already noted
from your CV that you have the essential qualifications for the job.
An interview expands on this and shows what you are like in person and
whether your character is suitable for the company. An interview also
provides you with an insight into what it is like to work at this company.
You will be asked questions relating to your previous positions your
experience and what responsibilities you have held. The interviewer
will probably ask you about certain aspects of your CV and what your
long-term career goals are.
3.
What should I take to an interview?
Take a couple of copies of your CV in case the one you sent to the company
has gone astray. If possible take a portfolio of relevant work which
you have done. A pen and paper to make notes with after the interview,
perhaps you need to take a tube map or A-Z so that you can find the
offices in the first place.
4.
How should I follow up after an interview?
Telephone the interviewer within 24 hours and thank them for taking
the time to see you, alternatively put a brief letter in the post thanking
them for their time and reaffirming you interest in the job. If you
have not heard their decision within a week telephone the interviewer
and ask if they have chosen who will fill the post.
5.
What sort of questions can I expect?
The interviewer wants to assess your suitability for the job, so you
will be asked about what your previous responsibilities entailed, your
qualifications, why you want the job, what you can bring to the company
and perhaps some questions about what you enjoy doing out of work.
6.
How long are interviews?
An interview usually lasts for about an hour, you should definitely
aim to be in the office for at least that amount of time.
7.
Who will interview me?
The head of the department to which you are applying, or a member of
the human resources team will interview you. It is possible that there
will be more than one interviewer, in which case the panel will be made
up of HR personnel, Managers, and people who you would be working with
directly should you get the job.
8.
Are there different types of interview?
Interviews can be conducted in a number of ways. There are one-on-one
interviews, panel/committee interviews, lunchtime interviews, and telephone
interviews. Whilst the format may vary, the purpose of the interview
will be the same, to get an insight into your personality and to see
if you are suitable for their company.
9.
How should I prepare for an interview?
- Carry out research
into the company, find out exactly what they do, and how many people
they employ. What is their history and what is their future business
strategy.
- Make sure you
know exactly where your interview is so you arrive punctually on the
day.
- You may like
to practice by answering some commonly posed interview questions.
10.
What qualities are interviewers looking for?
The things that interviews will be looking for depends upon the industry
sector and type of job that you are applying to. Generally employers
are looking for:
- Motivation
- Confidence
- Sociability
- Initiative
- Honesty
- Intellect
- Enthusiasm
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