Monday, August 27, 2007

Interview Tips

*Be on time!
Practice getting to the venue to see how long it will take. Public transport may be useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable it won't affect the fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Always remember - You never get a second chance to make a first impression.


*Be Prepared!
Look at the employers' website and learn something about the company before you attend your interview. Feed them the opportunity to talk proudly about something positive you have found.


*Write down and practice possible interview questions
Writing them down and practicing them with someone will make it easier to remember when you get to the interview. Use the third person when talking about the job. Avoid sounding as though you assume the job is yours. It is fine to ask about the package on offer and accommodation - living in and living out are particularly relevant. You could also try a fewer more testing questions such as how they differentiate themselves from their competitors or what they think the toughest/hardest part of the job is.



* You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
The outcome of the interview will depend largely on the impression you make during the first five minutes. To succeed, you must project a professional, competent and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company


* Be honest!
There really is no point lying about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, or even manage to get out to resort and then get found out, you can be sure you won't be around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs - if there isn't a good match, then chances are that the job won't work out.



* Check your Resume and be prepared with questions arising from your CV
Make sure you know well what all you have mentioned in your resume.Do remember that there should not be anything written in your resume of which you are not well prepared of. One golden rule says be HONEST. Remember this fact. If you are unable to make your resume attractive try contacting some services.


* Know yourself.
Mentally review the skills and character traits you have that will help the company's bottom line. Think in terms of the value you can add to the position and the company



* Talk about specific achievements!
Interviewers like to know how you felt about about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you've done that you're particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.


* Don't talk too much!
Spud again - Communication is a two-way thing so give them a chance


* Prepare a sample menu plan!
If you are applying for a catering job then take along a sample menu plan. By this we mean a starter/main/dessert combination over six days, ideally with a vegetarian option. Think about teh balance of nutrients and how the colors will look on the plate. Our recipe section has a number of favourites.


* Take a spare photo & CV with you!
Your interviewer won't be expecting it so you will impress them. It also helps them remember you after the interview.


* Be enthusiastic and positive!
Don't criticize previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.


* Alter your answers
If you�re called back for subsequent interviews after the preliminary one, you will face different interviewers. So, find ways to make the same information sound different. Don�t describe the same project you managed to all the interviewers. Instead, describe a different project in each of the successive interviews.

After the Interview:

* After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical details.
* If you are working with a search firm or recruiter, call that recruiter immediately while the facts of the interview are fresh on your mind. The recruiter will want to know what you thought went well and what you may have concerns about.
* Always send a thank you letter to the interviewer immediately. If there were several people that interviewed you, send them each a thank you note. It is good to keep the letter short but to also reiterate your interest in the position and your confidence in your qualifications.
* Don't call the employer back immediately. If the employer said they would have a decision in a week, it is OK to call them in a week, again to thank them for the interview and reiterate your interest.
* If you receive word that another candidate was chosen, you may also send a follow-up letter to that employer, again thanking him or her for the opportunity to interview for the position. Let them know that should another or similar position open in the future, you would love to have the opportunity to interview again.

Be prepared with answers to the following:


1.Why do you wish to leave your current employer?

2.What do you know about this position and company? Why are you interested?

3.What are your short-term and long-term goals?

4.How do you feel about your current supervisor?

5.What are your strengths?

6.What are your weaknesses?

7.What are expectations regarding salary?

8.What information is important to you in making a decision about this job change?

9.What questions do you plan to ask the employer either about the job, company, or other things? Who have you learned the most from?

10.What was it? Why was it important?

11.What could be improved in your boss?

12.What do you like about your current boss?

13.How soon can you join?

14.What would you change here?

15.Are you willing to relocate? Change industries? Travel?

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