Interview Advice
Why Interview Skills Are Important
An interview is regarded as one of the most important stages during the job application process. It helps employers determine whether you are a good candidate for the job and a right fit for the company. This is why you should spend time improving your interview skills.
How to Prepare for an Interview
- Turn off your mobile phone before the interview
- Do your research on the Company and the job you have applied for. Take a look at the company website if they have one.
- Think of a few questions you would like to ask the person interviewing you.
- If the interview requires a portfolio of your work, prepare this in advance.
- Dress appropriately for the interview: shirt, tie and jacket for men and smart top and trousers/skirt for women. Make sure your clothes are crease free!
- Remove any inappropriate piercings ahead of the interview. Ear piercings are fine but no more than one earring or stud in each ear is recommended.
- Try not to wear too much make up.
- Don't smoke before the interview.
Tips During an Interview
- Think about your non-verbal communication, be polite and professional from the moment you walk through the entrance. A good first impression is everything, with most people usually making up their mind about a person within the first 30 seconds of meeting them.
- Smile and offer a firm handshake when you meet the person interviewing you. You could practice with friends/family beforehand.
- Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair and look alert and interested at all times. Body language accounts for 70% of what you ‘say’.
- Always try to maintain eye contact with the interviewer, if there is more than one person try to include both when talking.
- Don't ‘Bad mouth’ your current/any previous employer.
What to do After an Interview
- Remain professional until the moment you leave.
- Send an email to thank the interviewer.
- Wait, but don't stress in the moments that you are waiting to hear back.
When to Ask About Salary?
- Don't discuss salary on your first interview unless the interviewer brings the subject up.
- Don't lie about any information you give the interviewer, especially regarding qualifications or salary. Companies check last salary as part of their reference checks.
When to Ask About Benefits?
- Like salary, it's best to wait until after your first interview to ask about the companies benefit package, unless the interviewer brings the subject up.
- Don't ask about their notice period/sickness benefit – it doesn’t show commitment if you are asking this before you are even offered the position. It gives the wrong impression and causes alarm bells to ring for the interviewer.
If you are currently seeking a new job, contact us at Leapfrog Recruitment Consultants. We can help you find a job and will support you throughout the entire application and interview process.
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