Interview dos
• Be prepared – write out answers to questions
• Think of (and write about) examples/experiences to show
| Your strengths |
| Your leadership |
| Your ability to learn new things |
| Your contributions to the organization |
| Your creativity in solving problems and handling people |
• You need at least 2-4 stories you can use in your interview – stories are memorable
• BE A STAR (refer to the STAR Method at the end of this list)
• Know as much about the company, products and your future role as possible
• Dress to impress
• Punctuality – arrive on time
• Maintain eye contact (at least 70% of the time ) but avoid staring
• Open body posture – shoulders back and relaxed, head up, knees together, arms open
• Smile and be courteous
• Use a firm handshake and address the interviewer by name
• Try to keep nervous mannerisms under control
• Listen carefully, use gestures and nod your head (but don’t overdo it!)
• Keep to the questions asked and always check your understanding
• Speak positively at every opportunity
• Ask questions to show that you are interested in the company/job
• Be sincere and natural
• Show enthusiasm and motivation
• Promote your skills and abilities in such a way that an employer will know you are more than capable of doing the job
• Communicate attitudes that employers are looking for:
| You are willing to work hard |
| You have valuable skills and experience |
| You are committed to developing your skill level |
| You are flexible |
| You expect to make a valuable contribution |
• Ask about future opportunities – this shows that you are career-minded, and that you might stay long-term
• At the end of the interview, ask for some feedback and if you need to clarify any aspect of the interview
Be a Star
Follow the STAR method –
S – Situation
T – Task
A – Action
R – Results related to the job
• Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone loves a story
• Before your interview, follow the "star" method
• Employers will remember you by your stories
| Write short statements of what tasks you did and the results achieved - be very specific |
| Use the fewest number of words, but make your points stand out |
| When possible, use numbers to measure the activity, benefits or results |
| How significant and/or believable is your accomplishment from an objective point of view? |
