Interview Tips
These days, many initial interviews can be held using facetime technology (or a similar app depending on the phone you use). This reduces the time out required by candidates, as these interviews can be conducted (almost) anytime or anywhere. Quite often we are speaking to candidates while they are sitting in the car in their lunch break! It also reduces the times it takes us the get you in front of our clients.
The next step is being interviewed by the employer. It’s important to make sure you are prepared.
Here are some interview tips to make sure you give yourself the best chance at landing the job
- Confirm the name of the person you are meeting, the time, day and the address.
- Leave plenty of time to get there, leaving a buffer in case of traffic chaos or the like.
- Ensure you have a contact number with you on the day, in case you are running late or are unable to make it. Make sure you call and let someone know.
- Dress appropriately. Let’s face it, if you are going for a role on the workshop floor, it is unlikely that you will be expected to be wearing a suit. By the same token though, leave your overalls in your locker – clean and neat works best.
- Turn your phone off before you go in, and if you are wearing sunglasses, put them in your pocket not on the top of your head.
- It is NEVER appropriate to swear in an interview situation.
- Do your research. If you have the company name, have a look at their website and find out more about who they are and what they do. Be prepared to highlight why you think your skills are appropriate for the role.
- Be concise with your answers, unless asked specifically, you probably don’t need to go into minute detail about every job you’ve had or why you left them.
- General rule of thumb is not to talk $$ unless the interviewer brings it up. This is part of your recruiters’ job to do the negotiating with the client. Also, if you have been told the job is paying $30 per hour, don’t go in and say you are looking for $40. Don’t laugh. It happens. Often.
- Listen to the interviewer, and if you’re not sure about something – just ask.
- Lastly, try to relax. It is quite common for people to talk more when they are nervous, so just try and enjoy the interview and be yourself.