The Formal Interview

This is your moment to shine. Be positive and pay particular attention to your body language. Crossed arms indicate barriers between you and the interviewer while leaning forward implies interest. Sit up straight and smile. Slouching conveys a sense of disinterest and laziness. Women should also note that they should cross their legs at the ankles and not at the knees.

There are many questions that you could be asked at an interview. But all questions generally fall into these three categories:

Do you have the skills and the ability to do the job?
How enthusiastic are you to land this job?
Are you going to fit in with the company and the present staff?

Listen to the questions carefully without interrupting. Before you respond, think about your answer. This will help you to speak more confidently. Don’t waffle - answer the question that has been asked and do not be evasive. If you cannot answer a question, be up front about it. If it's a technical question that you really should know the answer to, explain that you will get back to them after you have carefully researched the question.

Drawing on past experiences is often necessary to answer interview questions. These answers don't necessarily have to be contained to the workplace but could relate to broader life experience, such as being on a sporting team. The important thing is not to make up an experience; it is highly likely that you will be caught out.

If you feel that an interview question is inappropriate, a tactful approach needs to be taken. An example for a response may be, "I'm a bit confused, can you please explain why that may be of relevance to the position?" In most cases the employer will realise they are wrong and back off. Although you may be justified in refusing to answer such a question, this might cost you the job.

The interview is a two-way process and the interviewer will probably ask at the end if you have any questions. It’s crucial to your success to have a few prepared, to show your enthusiasm and interest for the position. This is also your chance to clear any lingering doubts that you may possess.

It’s also best not to mention salary, benefits or holidays. The interview is designed to let you shine. Our consultants are trained to negotiate the employment terms down the track. Eye contact throughout the interview cannot be stressed enough. It implies confidence and honesty. Also look at who you are talking to but do not exclude the other interviewers present.

Final Impressions

At the end of the interview be sure to inquire about the next stage. If the interviewer offers you the position and if you feel that the interviewer has answered your questions to your complete satisfaction, and you are truly interested in the position, accept the job offer on the spot as this will secure you the position and you will no longer be competing with others.

Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and shake their hand firmly at the end. Remember that everyone will give feedback so be polite to receptionists and secretaries. You never know how much influence they will have. It could be the interviewer's wife.

After the Interview

Immediately after the interview jot down all your thoughts and important information that wasn’t covered in the interview. It’s amazing how much one forgets and this may help you if you are called for a second interview. Call your consultant to inform them about how it went and if you have any queries that may need to be addressed. We are here to help you.

If you are sincerely interested it may be a good idea to write an email through the consultant expressing your interest. This shows your enthusiasm and may secure that role. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not successful. Take it as a learning experience for future interviews. Analyse your interview and look at ways that you could improve your technique.

What happens if you're offered the job?