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Enter-Jobs Interview Tips

Never Be Late Image

Tip Number 1 - NEVER BE LATE TO AN INTERVIEW! 

NEVER be late for an interview!

make sure you have planned your route to the 
location and if possible do a dry run. whether this be with local transport or by 
car make sure that you know where you are going! organization is key. On the 
other side of the scale.

NEVER be too early!

if you arrive with time to spare, utilize the time you have. Look through the job spec, spend some time looking at the company website, go over your interview notes and check you are ready. 5-10  minutes early is ok but never any earlier! 

Always Be Prepared Image

Tip Number 2 - ALWAYS BE PREPARED. 

The importance of these 3 words is staggering! Benjamin Franklin once said- "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Keep this in mind.

Some things that are key here-

  • Know the company and the interviewer if possible.
  • Do your research!
    • Company websites/ Linked In profiles.
    • The internet is full of information that can be utilized to your advantage. if you do not have access to the Internet many libraries and job centres offer free access or pay by the hour rates (see resource pages for more information ). 
Prepare Your Questions Image

Tip Number 3 - PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS. 

Most recruiters will give you a chance to ask questions, usually at the end of the interview. Use this time to ask about anything that was not covered making sure you keep it relevant! some example questions are below- 
  • What do you like about working for this company?
  • What training will I receive?
  • Why is this vacancy available?
  • Is it a new role? 
  • What are the next steps to the process? 
Keep the questions relevant, and try not to go over what has already been discussed during the interview itself! 
Show Gratitude Image

Tip Number 4 - ALWAYS SHOW GRATITUDE! 

Thank the interviewer for their time and make it known that you are grateful for this opportunity they have given you.

A great way of doing this is to follow up the interview with an email, making sure to let the interviewer know that you are interested in the job and thanking them for their time. Use this opportunity to ask any questions that you may have missed in the interview itself. 

Always Be Yourself Image

Tip Number 5 - ALWAYS BE YOURSELF

A job interview is a chance for you to sell yourself as well as your relevant skills required for the job. Companies will look to see if you are a good fit when it comes to company culture as well as if your personality will fit into the team.

The intention of this tip is to encourage you to relax and not try to be someone else simply because you think that’s what the hiring manager is looking for. It won't take long for the cracks to open once you start the role so be honest and open. 

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Tip Number 6 - DRESS TO IMPRESS.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to turn up to your interview in a 3 piece suit or a floor length ball gown! But it also doesn't mean that you should turn up in ripped jeans and trainers!

Dress smart, but make sure that you are comfortable.

 
Remember that first impressions count! So remember to smile :) 

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Tip Number 7 - TURN YOUR MOBILE OFF!

This should be obvious! But the way we are glued to our mobiles nowadays it is easy to forget!

If you can, its best to leave your phone in your car. If you do not have this option then make sure that it is on silent or switched off.

If you have been asked to prepare a presentation and cannot use another device then make sure that your phone is in airplane mode (no one wants unexpected 
pop ups!). 

Body Language Image

Tip Number 8 - BODY LANGUAGE. 

This starts in the car park! make sure that the second you exit your car and walk towards the building you are poised, tall and confident.

Keep eye contact throughout the interview and smile often.

Keep an eye on your posture throughout, making sure that you do not keep your hands in your pockets and keep an open frame. This is said to mean that you are an open person.

Try not to touch your face and hair too often, as it is said that this can sometimes indicate lying!

But most of all try to be comfortable. 

Practice Your Handshake Image

Tip Number 9 - HANDSHAKE. 

A strong handshake has forever been a universal sign of strength and assuredness which is why everyone should have one. A firm (but not too firm!) handshake is a sign of mutual respect and can immediately set the tone for any meeting. Keep this is mind.

(with Covid 19 restrictions in place this is currently not relevant. Please remember to keep safe and remain 2 metres apart

Do Not Overshare Image

Tip Number 10 - DO NOT OVERSHARE!

It is sometimes easy to become a little too comfortable with an interviewer and slip up. revealing a little too much about ourselves.

Although it is important to be yourself and be honest with the potential employer, there are also some things that should not be mentioned.

  • Stay away from talking about negative issues with past employers unless asked (and when asked, be careful with your wording!).
  • Talking about hobbies and building report is great when prompted, but again be careful not to mention anything that could be construed as a conflict of interest to their business, or detrimental as an employee.