Essential Recruitment

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Pre-interview jitters? Not sure what to wear? Check out our guide to bagging that job:

The Look
You should be dressing to impress. The way you dress is important, as you are inviting the prospective employer to judge your personality based on how you've chosen to present yourself. Make sure you're clean, you smell good, and your clothes are in good condition - show the employer you can represent the company. Keep the flesh to a minimum and jewelry at bay, ladies!
Hint: Try to look at how the other employees dress, by either popping in or checking website photographs.

The Talk
Don't moan about previous jobs/bosses. Keep your mobile off. Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview. You want to give an air of confidence, a shot of personality, and a friendly vibe - but remain professional. Don't use this as a time to chat, use it as a time to show off what you can offer the company.
Hint: Think before you speak. Don't dig any holes or portray yourself as problematic.

The Grilling
A common interview question asks you to confess a weakness - an opportunity to show off a strength. You're doing face-to-face calls? You're a lot better at talking in person than you are over e-mail. You're a painter? You'd rather stay that extra half hour to make sure you've done the job right.
Make sure you've really thought about your job description - do you fully understand it? Could you explain why you can do these tasks more efficiently that anyone else?
It's also essential that you've swotted up on the company. Get to know what their targets are and how you believe you can help them work towards those goals.
Hint: There are hundreds of resources available for free, online, which will help prepare for an interview. You could download a set of questions and practice in the mirror or with a friend.

Whatever you do, make sure you check out these interview horrors..

Louisa Peacock