Top 10 Interview Tips

For all those with interviews soon and all expecting their interview appointments very very soon... :)


1. Look sharp
Before the interview select your outfit. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don’t want to look like you slept in your clothes. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.

2. Be on time
Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 – 15 minutes before the interview.

3. Do your research
Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company’s needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself.

4. Be prepared
Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your CV, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

5. Show enthusiasm
A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.

6. Listen
One of the most neglected interviewing skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.

7. Answer the question asked
Candidates often don’t think about whether or not they actually are answering the questions asked by their interviewers. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.

8. Give specific examples
One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your examples before the interview, ensuring that they highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behaviour can indicate your future performance.

9. Ask questions
Many interviewees don’t ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. Your questions indicate your interest in the company or job.

10. Follow up
Whether it's through email or regular mail, the follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. You don't want to miss this last chance to market yourself. Also take the time to say 'thank you' for the interview time.

Wishing us all the very best

Oh thank u Yinka that was so wonderful.hope others will take note of that.
Cheers.

Yinka that is good of you. Your tips are very good and I have learn one or two things from them in readiness for my coming interview. God bless you real good

Yinka, Thanks so much. Really ur a darlyn. God bless u abondantly.

hi tanks a lot 4 d lecture its really bn wondreful.

The perfect interview
Written by Tom Allbeson, June 2007.

They give some people sleepless nights. Others find themselves tongue-tied or worse still, unable to shut up. Interviews are one of the most nerve-racking parts of the recruitment experience. But in truth, there is a knack to them which you can learn, practise and conquer. We spoke to graduate recruiters from the public and private sector to find out the tricks of the trade.

» The recruiters:
Jonathan Earle, Head of Marketing & Propositions, Barclays

Mark Powell, Chief Occupational Psychologist, Civil Service Selection Board

» The questions:
What should the perfect interviewee do to prepare for the big day?
Jonathan: Knowledge is key. Do plenty of research about the company. For example, read the press and go online. If you’re going for an interview with a retail company, visit one of the stores and look at the company’s competitors. Why not mystery shop them? Sign-up for a product or service and collect some first-hand evidence.

Mark: Before the interview, take some time to analyse the job description. You should be able to figure out the type of skills and experience needed, and from this the questions the interviewer is likely to ask you. So, if the job description states that they want someone who can plan their time well, you are likely to be asked for an example of when you had to complete something in a certain time period, how you approached this and what the outcome was.

Do first impressions count?
Jonathan: First impressions are very important. Be smart. Be confident, but not arrogant. Give the interviewer a firm hand shake, remember to smile and make good eye contact. Don’t cross your arms as this might make you look defensive. Best bet - take a deep breath and just try and enjoy the interview. Remember, the company are keen to recruit. They are not trying to catch you out!

What is the most important thing to remember when trying to answer difficult questions?
Mark: Don’t be afraid to stop and think, don’t try and fudge the answer to the question. Often the more difficult questions are those that ask you to consider a situation where you didn’t perform as well as you could have done or ask you to identify a development need. For example, if the interviewer was trying to determine your competence in planning and organising they might ask a negative question like, ‘Tell me about a time when you failed to deliver a project on time?’

Jonathan: Try and structure your answer. If asked whether the company should introduce a new product, you can examine the pros and cons of doing so. Don’t make up the answer as you go along as you will confuse the interviewer. And remember that it’s okay to ask for clarification, even twice if necessary.

thank you very much for those tips. U guys should please keep up the good work.

very useful tips, these r d 'little' things dat matter a lot 8)

hi tanks 4 d top 10 interview tips .God bless and increase u in wisdom.

thanks dear

Quote:

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Originally Posted by acegery

The perfect interview
Written by Tom Allbeson, June 2007.

They give some people sleepless nights. Others find themselves tongue-tied or worse still, unable to shut up. Interviews are one of the most nerve-racking parts of the recruitment experience. But in truth, there is a knack to them which you can learn, practise and conquer. We spoke to graduate recruiters from the public and private sector to find out the tricks of the trade.

» The recruiters:
Jonathan Earle, Head of Marketing & Propositions, Barclays

Mark Powell, Chief Occupational Psychologist, Civil Service Selection Board

» The questions:
What should the perfect interviewee do to prepare for the big day?
Jonathan: Knowledge is key. Do plenty of research about the company. For example, read the press and go online. If you’re going for an interview with a retail company, visit one of the stores and look at the company’s competitors. Why not mystery shop them? Sign-up for a product or service and collect some first-hand evidence.

Mark: Before the interview, take some time to analyse the job description. You should be able to figure out the type of skills and experience needed, and from this the questions the interviewer is likely to ask you. So, if the job description states that they want someone who can plan their time well, you are likely to be asked for an example of when you had to complete something in a certain time period, how you approached this and what the outcome was.

Do first impressions count?
Jonathan: First impressions are very important. Be smart. Be confident, but not arrogant. Give the interviewer a firm hand shake, remember to smile and make good eye contact. Don’t cross your arms as this might make you look defensive. Best bet - take a deep breath and just try and enjoy the interview. Remember, the company are keen to recruit. They are not trying to catch you out!

What is the most important thing to remember when trying to answer difficult questions?
Mark: Don’t be afraid to stop and think, don’t try and fudge the answer to the question. Often the more difficult questions are those that ask you to consider a situation where you didn’t perform as well as you could have done or ask you to identify a development need. For example, if the interviewer was trying to determine your competence in planning and organising they might ask a negative question like, ‘Tell me about a time when you failed to deliver a project on time?’

Jonathan: Try and structure your answer. If asked whether the company should introduce a new product, you can examine the pros and cons of doing so. Don’t make up the answer as you go along as you will confuse the interviewer. And remember that it’s okay to ask for clarification, even twice if necessary.

---

thanks a million. Now i can collate all the tips i have gotten so far, prepare and be ready for my interview on monday, God be with me.

thanks for the material Yinka.

Yinka you have done well, Your write up is very explicit and educative thanks .May God bless you

Yours
Jibowu

Thanks so much Yinka.U've done so well.This will help alot. God bless u.

thanks man

Please what are the questions am i likely to ask about the organization?

please i need answer urgently.

thanks

Thank u very much

Thanks a million times, you guys are really great.
Honestly, i never knew one could ask a question during an interview, i felt they might just send u out without any more questions from them.

Well my dear, you are really God sent as these your tips have taught me something new today.

I am very greatful.

God bless u for me oooooooooooooooo

thanks

thanks to all of ya
i've learnt a lot o
wish everyone the very best

nice one.thanks

Thanks

I would try & remember this tips as I prepare for an interview on Monday. Thanks.

Thanks!!! keep up the good work

Let me sign on d page.u guys r simply fantastic.

Yinka that was a very good one people will stand to gain a lot from it especially corps members who are may be attending iterview for the first time.

thanks for ur valuable contribution. I'm preparin for an interview, do u hv an idea on the salary range for mgt trainee? its Capital express investments, Lagos. xpectn reply

yinka thks alot

Thank you, Yinka. I am grateful for your piece of write up.

thanks bro
i luv pple like u dat giv out info 4 free
my name is also Yinka

Very interesting.Thanks alot.

GOD BLESS U YINKA .JST WHT I NEEDED NOW thanks.

tanx for d tips, i will do just fine. god bless u.

nice one. It was really helpful. cheers!

very helpful... merry xmas to all!

Thanks for sharing this man! Most of them ar simple but very easy things to neglect. Keep up the good work. Thks!

Yinka 10x a bunch for the tips given,u don't have an idea what difference you have made in so many peoples life wit wat you have done.

You have done well. May God bless you real good.

Plz house, i need the interview formats. dnt think they re still there. someone help

good work keep it up