If you're counting down the days till your next job interview, these helpful hints will help you get in the right mood so you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence.
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job.
Appearances shouldn't matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you've even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you're applying for shows a desire to succeed.
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays, and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be nervous too.
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.
We have trawled the web and sourced the 20 most incredible candidate blunders. If you thought you had seen and heard it all, take a look at these…
1. Candidate answered their mobile phone and asked the interviewer to leave her own office because it was a “private” conversation.
2. Candidate told the interviewer he wouldn’t be able to stay with the job long because he thought he might get an inheritance if his uncle died – and his uncle “wasn’t looking too good.”
3. Candidate asked the interviewer for a ride home after the interview.
4. Candidate smelled his armpits on the way to the interview room.
5. Candidate told the interviewer he was fired for beating up his last boss.
6. Candidate took out a hair brush and brushed her hair mid-interview.
7. The candidate talked about promptness as one of her strengths after showing up 10 minutes late.
8. The candidate took off his shoes during the interview.
9. The candidate asked for a sip of the interviewer’s coffee.
10. Candidate told the interviewer she wasn’t sure if the job offered was worth “starting the car for”.
11. Candidate said he had had to quit a banking position because he was always tempted to steal.
12. Candidate denied that he had a cell phone with him even though it could be heard ringing in the briefcase beside him.
13. Candidate asked to be paid “under the table.”
14. Candidate commented that he would do whatever it takes to get the job done, legal or not.
15. Candidate called his wife to see what they were having for dinner.
16. Candidate called in sick to her current employer during the interview, faking an illness.
17. Candidate said he didn’t want the job if he had to work a lot.
18. Candidate flushed the toilet while talking to interviewer during phone interview.
19. Candidate said he didn’t like getting up early and didn’t like to read.
20. The candidate wore a Boy Scout uniform and never told interviewers why.
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Grafters Recruitment Consultants Ltd
7a Bolton Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3JU
