Prepare yourself with effective interview strategies before you actually go to an organization and meet with the interviewer. Increase your chances of

success by using these tips from the experts.

FIND OUT DETAILS OF THE INTERVIEWWhen you are invited for an interview find out who will be interviewing you (name and

title) and what style/format the interview will take. Ask if you are required to bring anything in particular such as an additional resume, portfolio of past work etc.

Determine if you will need to arrive early in order to complete an application form or testing.

GET GOOD DIRECTIONSBe sure you know exactly where to go, how to get there, and expected travel time. If

possible, do a practice run before your appointment.

RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATIONNearly every organization has published information available. Business directories,

newspapers, trade journals, annual reports are all good sources of information. Speak to anyone you know who works in the organization to see if they can provide an insider’s

viewpoint.

PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW MATERIALSThese would include extra copies of your resume, your reference list, letters of

reference, copies of degrees, certificates, credentials/registration, etc. Organize these in a folder or document keeper which you can present neatly. As well, bring a copy of

your cover letter and, if applicable, the job advertisement. Bring a good pen to complete an application form, and your prepared list of questions.

DRESS IN A MANNER THAT SUITS THE JOBStrive for a business-like appearance. Most dress mistakes are those being under-

dressed or too casual.

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS IN YOUR APPEARANCEEnsure that buttons are done up, your shoes are polished, your nails are clean. Avoid

wearing heavy fragrances. Again, be job-appropriate.

HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE INTERVIEWNever be late. Ideally, you should arrive 15 minutes early in order to have time for one

last check in the washroom mirror, and to feel relaxed.

YOU ARE “ON” THE MINUTE YOU ENTER THE BUILDINGManagers are influenced by the impressions of their assistants and support staff. If you

are rude to the receptionist, that information will be relayed to the interviewer.

ATTITUDEBe punctual, realistic, relaxed, courteous, enthusiastic

Show initiative

Smile, pleasant greeting, firm handshake

GROOMINGShower

Hair shampooed

Clothes – clean, neat, appropriate for a job interview

Shoes are cleaned and shined

WHAT TO BRINGResume/Application form

Pen

Knowledge of organization to which you are applying

COMMUNICATION SKILLSClear, concise, well organized thoughts

Good listening skills (eye contact)

Ask pertinent questions

Use expressive effective vocabulary

Participate in conversations and prepare closing question

REMEMBER YOUR STRENGTHSCome with three stories that give examples of your strengths and skills

Complete these statements:

I have always been glad that I have the ability to…

My greatest achievement this year was…

One of my skills that I hope to use in my work is…

THE APPLICANT’S PERSPECTIVEThe interview is the focal point of all your work search efforts. It represents your opportunity to sell yourself in person. An interview is a conversation between 2 or more people. Its purpose, from your point of view, is ultimately to get the job offer.

You attempt to achieve this goal by:

· persuading the prospective employer to hire you.

· displaying confidence in your ability to perform competently.

· demonstrating interest in the employers’ needs and interests.

· demonstrating behaviors that are congruent and consistent with your advance “publicity” (e.g. resume, cover letter, promotional brochure, broadcast letter, letter of inquiry).

THE EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVEThe purpose of the interview from the employer’s point of view is to

assess/evaluate your suitability, relative to other applicants.

For their needs by:

· verifying information supplied in your work search documentation (e.g. application, cover letter, resume, broadcast letter).

· asking questions, listening to your responses and observing your body language.

· exploring your values, beliefs, expectations, skills, and qualifications as they relate to the type of work you are seeking.

· gathering information about you to help in making an informed decision.

THE ROLE OF THE INTERVIEWERIn an ideal situation, the interviewer will view him/herself as a “host” and will want

to create a friendly, comfortable environment for the interview. She/he will have planned the interview structure and questions and will be comfortable with his/her

ability to make effective selection decisions.

The world being what it is, not all interviewers:

· know what they are looking for.

· know what they need.

· know how to interview effectively.

· recognize that the interviewee should be doing most of the talking.

· know how to stress the candidate’s suitability.

OPENINGGenerally begins with a greeting from the interviewer(s).

ESTABLISHING RAPPORTMeans the small talk, the getting-to-know-you that begins, perhaps, as you’re walking

with the interviewer to the interview room.

SETTING THE AGENDAYour interview will often give you an idea of how long the interview will be and what

to expect as you’re settling into your chair and the environment.

INFORMATION GETTINGThis is the focal point of the interview during which you are asked questions about

your…

Background, Interest in the position/organization, Specific knowledge

Skills and abilities that make you a good candidate for the position

Career plans, Reliability, Work habits, Attitudes

Other information the interviewer deems important

INFORMATION GETTINGMost interviewers will ask you whether you have any questions. They may also give you an overview of the nature of the opening they’re filling and/or the company and

it’s goal.

CLOSINGThe interviewer will be likely advise you that the interview is over and let you know

when and how you can expect to hear about the outcome. If not, you should ask, she/he should also thank you for your time and interest. You should do the same.

Practice your handshake with different people and ask for feedback. Get into the habit of shaking hands whenever you greet someone.

Observe what you feel is, and is not, a good handshake.

When meeting someone, listen to the other person’s name and state yours clearly. The sooner you can use the other person’s name the

better.

Visualize yourself in the interview.

See yourself- how you are dressed, how you are looking (confident, professional, enthusiastic).

Watch yourself shake hands as you meet the interview panel, take your chair and poise and sit in a comfortable position eager to

experience the meeting.Observe how well you are responding to the questions; questions you

anticipated they would ask and have given some thought to.Notice how you are feeling as you have the opportunity to

demonstrate that you’ve done your homework by analyzing what you have to offer and how it matches their needs.

Now move to the conclusion of the interview. Hear yourself reinforce your interest in the position and the organization, and

summarize what you would bring to them. Conclude the interview, confident that you’ve made an impact; that you’ll be

hearing from them soon with a job offer.

By focusing on the image of the best possible scenario, you create a model in your mind’s eye - here’s what it would look like, be

like, is like. You mentally prepare for the best you can do.

Visualizing a positive outcome can be effective in that your attitude about yourself can influence your behavior. When you clearly form the intent to positively influence the outcome, you

will experience more energy and be better able to focus and concentrate on listening and behaving in a congruent manner.

Researchers tell us that over 55% of the impact we have in a personal meeting is our nonverbal presentation. This means the way we look in

total. It includes dress, grooming, body language and facial expression.

Dress Professionally

Like you would if you were working in the position for which you’re being considered. In your employer research, observe the dress code. Dress includes your whole appearance from your shoes to your hair,

and everything in between.

CAUTION

Wearing a new outfit for the first time to an interview is not recommended. Give it a test run.

“YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION”

This refers to the way we carry ourselves and the nonverbal messages that are transmitted by our gestures or mannerisms.

• Shake hands. Do not hesitate about taking the lead by offering your hand first.

• Walk and stand straight – head erect and sitting squarely on your shoulders.

• Sit upright (avoid slouching), feet flat on the floor or crossed at the ankles, whichever is most comfortable.

• Sitting up and leaning forward shows interest and enthusiasm.

• Make eye contact with all interviewers.

• Hands and arms should be in an open position, resting on your lap, arms at your chair or at your side.

• Avoid fidgeting, squirming, rocking, or playing with objects, your hair, clothing, etc.

• Wear a friendly, welcoming smile on your face.

• Look confident.

Arrive five to ten minutes early allows you to do:

* Get your bearings.

* Learn more about the organization and the people who work there.

* Make that last trip to the washroom.

* Collect your thoughts.

* Affirm your strengths and your ability to give a good interview.

* Focus on what you’re about to do.BE SURE TO ALLOW YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO GET THERE, ALLOWING FOR TRAFFIC, WEATHER, PARKING PROBLEMS, ETC. IT IS A GOOD PLAN TO DO A “DRY RUN” A DAY OR TWO BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW.

° A positive, expectant attitude.

° Belief that you have something valuable to offer to this organization.

° An awareness that you can handle anything that comes up in the interview.

° Knowledge that you’ve prepared well for this big event and you’re ready!

° Willingness to be yourself.

° Additional copies of your resume.

° A typewritten list of references with phone numbers.

° Transcripts and an original of your degree/diploma/certificate.

° A portfolio (if applicable)

° A list of questions to ask about the organization and position.

° A pad of paper on which to make a few notes to yourself of key points you want to cover in the interview.

Interviews can usually spot a “phony” easily. What they want is to get a sense of the real you. Their job of assessing your suitability is made easier when you present yourself as you really are. Ask yourself: “What are my strengths?” The five or six that describe you best are the ones you really

want them to see. One of the best ways to ensure that is what they see is to affirm those strengths just before the interview.

BE SPONTANEOUS

Say “I need some time to think about that.”

Your willingness to:

ASK FOR CLARIFICATION

If you don’t fully understand the question…or to say “That’s a tough one - I honestly don’t know.”

SHOW YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR

To acknowledge that you’re nervous.

There are a few questions that interviewees particularly dislike.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

This question is often used as an opening question.

The interviewer wants you to:

• highlight and summarize your background (education, training, and experience) as it relates to the job you’re being considered for.

The interviewer will learn:

• how well you’ve matched yourself to the job.

• how effectively you organize, summarize and anticipate what she/he needs to know about you.

• how well you communicate.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

This one should be a snap since the whole purpose of the work search process is selling yourself, you should able to answer this one confidently, clearly and with real conviction. It requires the self analysis we’ve mentioned frequently

and the practice of saying your strengths to yourself and to others until you get comfortable doing it.

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

This question is difficult because most interviewees understand that their role is to convince the employer to hire them. To reveal weaknesses is to supply the

interviewer with information and reasons not to hire. There is the conflict.

EXAMPLE

“One of my weaknesses is that my expectations of others are sometimes to high. I expect people to do their best and make good use of time and resources. As a

supervisor or team member, I have to remember that we all have different strengths and different rates of speed in completing tasks. I’m working on being

more tolerant and patient with others, recognizing my responsibility.”

1) Why do you want to work here?

2) How do you feel that you can help our school/company/organization?

3) What are your strengths?

4) What are your weaknesses?

5) How would you handle this (job related) problem?

6) Tell me about your greatest achievement/disappointment in life.

7) What did you like best/least in your last job?

8) What else do you think I should know about you?

9) Are there any questions you would like to ask about the school/job/company?

10) How do you spend your spare time?

When the employer says… He/she is really asking…

Tell me about yourself. What kind of person are you

Are you going to fit into this company?

Do you have the right personality?

Why are you interested in this job? Are you just looking for any job or are you interested in this field?

What are your strengths? How well do you manage yourself?

How well do you manage your work with others?

What are your weaknesses? What should I be concerned about?

How would you like to grow personally?

What would you like to learn?

Give me 2 reasons why I should hire you. Are you confident? Can you sell yourself?

Down below are the reasons to why employers rejects job applicants

1) Poor personal appearance.

2) Inability to express self clearly – poor voice, diction, grammar.

3) Lack of interest and enthusiasm – passive, indifferent.

4) Lack of tact, maturity, vitality, courtesy, and social understanding.

5) Little sense of humor.

6) Lack of knowledge of field specialization.

7) Lack of planning for career – no purpose and goals.

8) Overbearing, overaggressive, conceited, superiority complex, a “know it all”