Preparation and Greetings

Interviews are an integral part of your job search. Job interviews should not be viewed as an adversarial, one-sided interrogation during which an interviewer mercilessly questions you. A job interview should be perceived and experienced as a forum that facilitates the exchange of information in an interactive conversational manner. The following guidelines are provided to help you maximise your performance.

Preparation prior to a job interview

Organise your clothes for the interview in advance. Remember to dress conservatively – suitable to the culture of the company and the image you wish to project.
Assemble relevant information beforehand (eg. documentation, qualifications).
Understand your remuneration package.
Research the company (using published materials and contacts) so that you are able to ask “intelligent” questions.
Interviewers often seek practical examples of past behaviour, which help demonstrate your competencies. You should be prepared to share examples of your achievements or past behaviours, ensuring you give the situation (in which it occurred), the action you took and the results or outcomes of your action.

Arrival, initial greeting and “small talk”

Be on time. This means do not be late, but also do not be early.
Do not arrive with your “baggage”. If you walk in carrying unnecessary items, you will give the wrong first impression
You get one chance to make a first impression. Make your impression on the interviewer a good one. Smile, make eye contact and have a firm handshake.
If you are sure of the pronunciation, greet the interviewer by his/her surname.
Interviewers frequently use “small talk” to break the ice.
Follow the interviewer’s lead of small talk, but do not initiate a whole lot of small talk yourself. This could set the wrong tone.

Should you have any career question, please contact us to arrange a personal appointment with our consultants!