Before the Interview - What To Remember
Some people are more relaxed about an interview, and some consider it to be
an ordeal; whichever way you view it, it is a crucial part of the process of getting a new job, so you can't avoid it even if you want to. If you ever suffer from anxiety or panic attacks before an interview you can find some help here.
Things to consider are what happens before the interview, during and after the interview and what to remember.
Most importantly, the interview starts from the moment you arrive on site. Consider
how you impact on the people you meet at the door, in reception, in the lift. You wouldn't know it but they could
all be part of the decision making process. -
Arrive about 10 minutes early - not too early though or you may
appear desperate!
- If travelling by road, make sure you know the way.
- Clean your car - it says something about you if it can be seen when you arrive.
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If you are held up unexpectedly, phone ahead and give a revised
arrival time that allows you time to calm down and re-prepare before you are
announced.
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While waiting listen to what people are talking about and note how
they behave - this can be a useful indicator of the organisational culture.
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Use this time to prepare yourself. Slow down; control your
breathing to relax yourself. Before the interview, go to the bathroom and freshen up if possible
- you won’t want to ask to be excused in the middle of the interview!
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Remember, negative first impressions are easy to create, and
harder to overturn.
Research the organization well, then think about what they will want to know about you. This will give you some ideas of the questions they will ask; but above all remember
there are really only two issues at interview: Competence and
Compatibility Which do you think is the most important?
You may also need to prepare for a pre-employment personality test which many more organizations are using; to find out what you can do go to this pre-employment personality test Page and make sure you're prepared.
Continue to Preparing for your Job Interview
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