Job interviews are nerve-racking, even for those who have chosen to find a new job. Applying for a position and going to job interviews are very stressful activities – especially if you have lost your previous job. Fear of rejection and financial worry can be emotionally paralysing.
If you are looking for another job because you are not happy where you are at present, or because you want to move your career forward, it is vital that you keep that information to yourself and only tell your colleagues about your new job once you have resigned.
If you lost your job, you may find that remaining totally professional is extremely challenging. But it is of the utmost importance that you behave well so that you are give a good reference and can keep your professional image untarnished. Anger, shame and bitterness can have a dramatic effect on your sensibility, so always remain calm and in control and do nothing except be respectful.
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
If you don’t know how to write a good CV you should have it done by a professional. Your CV is a reflection of yourself, and it is very important to make a good first impression through your written résumé.
Remember:
Never speak ill of any company you have worked for in the past or anyone you reported to especially not in writing! Not only would your image be damaged if they found out, but your interviewer (or the reader of the document) may think less of you.
All information on your CV should be reliable, in other words, true and correct. Do not be tempted to lie about anything because it may destroy all your chances of finding and keeping a good job. If an employer ever finds out that you lied about something on your CV you could be dismissed – even years after you were originally employed, and even if you have become a star performer.
Ask a few upstanding members of society, and people in top management of the companies you have worked for, to write testimonials for you. Even if they have not been requested, written testimonials are better than simply supplying telephone numbers, because the potential employer will at least glance at them, and if they are good, you are far more likely to get an interview. Another reason is that your references might leave their jobs, or their phone numbers might change, and then their reference may be lost forever.
Before your job interview
Do as much research on the potential employer as you can, so that you can make sense of what is said during the interview. It also puts you in a stronger position to ask good, relevant questions. If you don’t do any research on the organisation you will be seen as being uninterested and your interview may be unsuccessful. Remember you must be able to answer the critical question of why you would like to work for the company.
What you wear will depend on the industry and the level of the job you have applied for. If it is a management position, you should make every effort to wear a suit. If it is not a management (or higher) position and if you don’t have a business suit, you may wear business casual, but men should ideally wear a tie. Make sure that your shoes are clean and that they go with your outfit.
Never ever be late for a job interview. If you don’t know exactly where the company is, make a special trip beforehand so that you don’t get lost on the day of the interview. Leave plenty of time in case of possible transport (or other) mishaps on the way to the interview.
Your CV and certified copies of certificates and all other relevant documents should be in a clean envelope, addressed to the person who is about to interview you. If you are going to be interviewed by more than one person, be sure to have enough copies with you.
Have a pen with you because you may be expected to fill out forms.
The interview
Do not smoke just before the interview because you will smell unpleasant to those who do not smoke.
Do not chew gum!
Your cell phone must be switched off and not visible.
Do not take a seat until you are invited to.
Shake hands with the interviewer(s) and introduce yourself – even though they may already have read your name on the forms you filled in. Remain calm and remember to be natural.
Make a point of remembering the interviewer’s name.
Do not complain about waiting if the interviewer is late. Instead, smile and be polite.
Be polite and friendly to everyone but be careful not to talk too much if you are nervous.
Watch your body language. Try to relax but display good posture at the same time.
Tell the truth about everything about yourself when asked.
Do not refuse to take any tests you may be asked to. The results may add to your value as an employee.
Do not interrupt anyone. Listen very carefully to each question and give thoughtful, to-the-point answers. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
Don’t be shy and do not put yourself down. Be enthusiastic and confident.
Do not bad-mouth anyone and be positive about your situation. It is a sign of maturity and will be viewed in a very good light.
Don’t make any demands about the position, salary package or working conditions – though you may of course make enquiries about them. It is best not to discuss the position’s salary unless the interviewer asks you what your salary expectation is. Salary is usually discussed with you by the recruiter.
Thank the interviewer(s) politely and make eye-contact when shaking hands to say goodbye.
If your interview is with a recruiter, they may discuss the possibility of an interview with a prospective employer. Don’t expect the recruiter to reveal the name of the potential employer until they have set up a firm appointment for your interview with the company.
After the interview
Make notes immediately after the interview so that you don’t forget critical information.
If you were asked to supply further documentation or additional information, do so as soon as possible.
If the interview was arranged by a recruiter, phone them to give them feedback.
Send a short, well-written e-mail of thanks to the interviewer. Reiterate your interest in the position.
Waiting to hear outcome of an interview is probably one of the most difficult times for anyone. Don’t be tempted to bombard the recruiter or potential employer with phone calls or e-mails requesting results. You must just wait for the e-mail or telephone call, unless you were asked to phone back on a certain day.
If your interview was unsuccessful, accept it with grace. Thank the (main) interviewer in writing for their time and effort and let them know that you would be interested in another interview should another or similar position become vacant in the company. Do not under any circumstances question their decision or display frustration or anger toward them. Be patient. Your ideal job is out there!
Elsabé Manning
082 513 6312