Interview Tips for Office Jobs - Never Assume

Being prepared.

The key to success at any interview is good preparation.   Your preparation should include researching the company, reading and understanding the job description, reviewing your CV and relevant skills you have for the job, finding out the structure of the interview process and checking how to get to the interview location.

Interview day

It is important to create a good impression.   Take time to dress appropriately usually smart business dress will be appropriate.    Know how you are going to get there and what route to take, find out if there are any landmarks nearby to identify the location.   Punctuality is a must, try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. If you are going to be late for any reason then make sure you inform the interviewer as early as possible and always apologise for being late.

The Interview

It is important to remember:

• You will be evaluated on your answers to the interview questions, not on your CV.   Ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your CV in your answers.
• Pause before you respond to each question, take this time to quickly plan your answers.  This helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
• If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
• If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or waffle. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
• Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes" or "no."
• The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to 'blow your own trumpet'. As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients."
• Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your former employer to the weather - and don't apologise for experience that you don't have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say "I have a little experience...," you would say "I have experience..."
• Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.
• In terms of your manner and body language, try to ensure the following - be confident, positive and look directly at the interviewer when you talk and listen, speak clearly, be enthusiastic and express a keen interest in the position, keep to the point and be concise and always be honest.

Interviews generally follow a set pattern. The interviewer will:-

• Tell you about the company and the job.
• Ask you questions to assess your abilities, personality and motivation.
• Ask if you have any questions.
• Inform you of the next stage of the process and when a final decision will be made.

The most important thing to remember is that the interview is a two way process. You are there to find out information about them as much as they are there to find out about you. This is your chance to find out information that isn’t in the job description and this can help you make an informed decision about whether you definitely want the job.