Before the interview

Doing your homework for your interview will put you in a much greater chance of obtaining your goal. Your first step should be to review your own qualifications in relation to the position you are applying for. Below are some general guidelines:

• Education, coursework, major projects
• Your skills and abilities
• Relevant work experience
• Your hobbies and interests and skills you have gained through them
• Career goals

Another crucial factor knowing about your potential employer and the job you are applying for. Below again are some guidelines relating to this:

• Brief history of the company
• Competition
• Products
• Reputation
• Rank against other similar companies

Finally, having adequate knowledge of the position you are applying for is vital make sure you know the following:

• the job description
• the skills required
• the length of the contract/placement
• the skills you may learn

What "they" are looking for

Employees generally are looking for skills that you show. Below are some examples:

• Maturity
• Initiative
• Communication Skills
• Enthusiasm
• Problem-solving Ability
• Leadership Skills
• Cooperation
• High Energy Level
• Confidence
• Creativity

Dress Sense

Dressing professionally is the basic motto; a business suit is appropriate most of the time. Do not wear trendy clothing, flashy jewellery, cologne or heavy make up. There may be some exceptions such as applying in fashion or entertainment. Make sure you've researched the company so you know.

The interview itself

Arrive early but not too early, 5-10 minutes. You will probably be asked to wait at reception. Make sure you wait professionally, this may sound silly but the receptionist may be part of the selection process. Either way its always better to make a good first impression.

When meeting the interview be positive, friendly and enthusiastic. Make sure you have a good strong handshake, neither weak and feeble, nor crushing either!!

Make sure you listen properly to the questions, your body language should be positive and relaxed. When answering questions, make sure your voice is at a normal level, not shouting or speaking too quietly.

If asked something that you do not know, be honest. However do not give negative answers. E.g. "I don't know X but I do know a similar thing Y". Never give anything negative about yourself, always be positive. Sometime interviewers will pose questions that they know you won't know little or nothing about to see you reaction and the way you handle the situation.

You will be nervous!! This is a given and is natural, just let everything flow, but don't be too overconfident either. Aim high and hope for the best possible outcome

The end of the Interview

Normally, after your interviewer has been satisfied with the questions he/she has asked, you will be given a chance to ask some of your own questions. Thoughtful questions display your interest in and enthusiasm for the job. They might include:

• Who would my supervisor be?
• What type of equipment is used (computers, software, etc.)?
• What type of training is provided?
• What are the most important skills and abilities that you
  are seeking?
• If I were offered the position, when would I start?
• When can I expect to hear from you?

Ok, that would be all from me and I wish you good luck in your interviews.

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