- Career Services Home
- Preparing your resume
- Writing an effective cover letter
- The Interview
- What to expect during the interview
- The Golden Rules
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The Interview
The Job Interview is a face-to-face meeting between Employer and Job Seeker, and essentially a means of gathering information.
For Employers the interview is an aid in screening and selecting Job Applicants. It gives the Employer an opportunity to assess personality, skills, experience, presentation and the suitability of the Applicant for a role within the organisation.
For the Job Applicant, the interview is an opportunity to gather information on the organisation. It is a chance to discuss your resume, skills and qualifications, as well as to assess the suitability of the organisation and the job to your employment requirements and goals.
Interview Preparation
Preparation is essential for a successful interview. There are a few simple and worthwhile exercises that you should do:
Research your Potential Employer
Find out specific information about the organization. Consider their history, philosophy, location and size. What services does it provide and what products does it make? What has been its past performance in the market sector, and what is its potential for growth?
Study your resume
Refresh your memory on the specific information and details that you have provided in your resume. The Interviewer will expect you to know what you have done and when you did it without looking at your resume. You will also be expected to know about your previous employers and institutions. If you are well-informed and prepared, you will be able to use the interview as an opportunity to sell your suitability for the role.
Prepare a list of Questions
What do you want to know about your potential employer, the organization and the role? For example, you might like to ask:
- Why has this position become available?
- Could you provide me with a position description?
- What are the organisation's plans for future growth?
- What type of person are you looking for to fill this role
Asking a few thoughtful and appropriate questions during the interview will provide you with more information on the organization and will also present yourself as prepared and interested in the job.
Make an Impression
Your presentation, including your dress, hygiene, grooming and body language make a statement, and give the interview an impression of you. First impressions do matter, so be sure that your dress is neat and tidy, and your presentation is as professional as it can be!
