Preparing for an Interview

Now you need to think about the job, what's on your CV/resume, where is the interview and how do you get there, what will you wear on the day and what do you need to get to pull the package that is you together for the interview. Oh, do tell somebody you got the interview invitation, it is good news and it is a great boost to your confidence.

Do you need to brush up on your interview skills, do you need assistance from friends or colleagues. To succeed at an interview requires preparation, it requires that you spend some time getting yourself ready be it your clothes or dress or your responses to possible questions. We suggest you have a look at everything on this career centre, one way or another we cover every requirement (tell us if we have omitted something or you want to contribute and we will work on it - that's a guarantee!).

Lets look at the basics. What do you wear? The general rule is to wear something that is professional and conforms to what is normal. We do not wish to offend you but a pair of old torn jeans and a summer shirt combined with a body covered in jewellery, chains and such artifacts would probably not be acceptable if attending for a formal interview for the position of main desk receptionist (male or female) at a top 1000 blue chip firm. Then again, we could be wrong. Generally, you should tone things down a little and use traditional business sense - what you wear to the pub or club is another matter. There is nothing wrong with a little colour but try to be coordinated - get advice from family and friends on what you propose to wear - two heads are always better than one! Whatever you chose get everything ready well before the day and make sure it is comfortable. On that note, if you purchase new shoes for the occasion do give them a wear or two before the day. Don't leave anything to the last day.

So all the dress preparations are done. What about you the person, what can you do? First up, read your CV/resume at a minimum and know what you have written in it. You would be surprised at the number of people that have forgotten what they wrote or had written for them. Next analyse the job you are being interviewed for, what is it what will you be required to do? What skills do you have to contribute, what makes you the ideal candidate for this job., why should you get the job over all other applicants. Get a sheet of paper and write down all these issues, the answers and create your own list. Spend time on this; get family and friends to help you. This is serious and is worth the investment of your time and energy. The more you prepare the more likely you are to get the job.

So far so good! We have the attire and we know what the job is and why we want it, we can even tell the interviewer why we should get it. How do we get to the interview? Find out, get a map, get the train timetable or make sure you can drive there. Find out where the interview is actually being held, if it is at a company location in an industrial estate; find out exactly where the office is before you get there. Ask the company for directions well in advance, they will be glad to give them. Do not be the one wandering around asking for directions with 15 minutes and 5 km to go to your destination.

On the day, relax have fun and enjoy it. Above all, it isn't the end of the world…there will be a tomorrow and there will be an ideal job for you. Trust us, we have been there!