Probably the most important part of running any business is getting the right staff. It is not just about getting the right people to do the job that is advertised, it is about building a team of dedicated staff who will work together to grow the business and successfully contribute to the business.
So if you get turned down for a job, it won’t mean that you are not good enough, it may just mean that they found someone else who is the missing piece of the puzzle in their team.
That being said there are always DO’s and DONT’s of job interviews
What to do:
dress smart- look bright and attentive, and speak clearly and confidently. Don't forget that in the first few minutes only 7% of the interviewer's opinion of you is formed by what you say - the rest is judged on how you look, act and sound
do your research- you should know what the company does, the job you are applying for and a little bit of history about the company.
Do your preparation- find out where the venue is beforehand, how to get there and how long it take and get your outfit ready the night before
Prepare answers for the main questions - for example, why do you want the job, what are your strengths and weaknesses, what are the main tasks in this job? And think about the types of questions they may ask you, aim to make about three or four points in each answer
Use real examples - just saying you've got a skill isn't enough you need to tell them a scenario where you applied that skill
Sell yourself: no one else is going to! Be positive about yourself and your experiences
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview - use it as an opportunity to find out more about the role and the company. (Don't ask about money or perks just yet!)
Get feedback- whether you were successful or not, it always looks fantastic to call and ask for some feedback about how the interview went, this will help you improve in the future and makes you look keen so they may consider you in the future
Turn off your mobile phone: treat the interviewers with respect and give them your undivided attention
What not to do:
don't be late!!!
don't swear or use slang words
don't slouch in your seat or do anything that makes you look uninterested
don't lie: the interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out that you have not been honest
don't let your nerves show too much; a few nerves are normal but extreme nerves will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it's not a life and death situation - there are plenty of jobs out there!
don't be arrogant and assume you've got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident
don't discuss controversial topics such as religion, politics and gender relations
don't read from notes or your CV — you should be familiar enough with your own history to be able to talk about it unprompted
don't criticise former employers or colleagues. Interviewers may mark you down as a troublemaker and a gossip
don't argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!
If you do have an interview coming up soon, Good Luck! If you follow this advice you will do absolutely brilliant!
