How to prepare for a job interview

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Very recently I had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed for a job at our Head Office, as nervous as I was I felt that I had prepared myself as best I could and this definitely showed as I walked in confident and ready for the panel (nerves were definitely present).

I thought I’d share my plan on preparing myself for an interview, perhaps some of these tips could assist you in securing that dream job. If you think I’ve left something out or If you have any tips that have helped you please feel free to share in the comment field below.

In order to fully prepare myself for the interview I run through my list (I love to do lists, I love checklists, my life only works because of these things)

Applying for the job:

1. Update your CV annually

• Ensure that your contact information is correct

• Ensure all training both internally and tertiary have been updated (whether you have just started studying or newly qualified, always include these details)

• Confirm with your references that you have included them on your CV and advise them when you apply for a position (no one wants to be caught off guard and they could potentially be the reason you do / don’t get the job).

• Think about what you put into your cover letter, don’t use a google template. Put some thought and effort into it. This is the first thing that the employer reads, make a last impression (DO NOT INCLUDE A PHOTO)

Once you have been contacted for an interview:

1. Do some research on the company (use google, hellopeter, social media, newspapers), know who they are, what they’re about, what they do, where they’re based (branches, head office)

1. Plan what you will be wearing, no I am not saying this to be a “typical woman”, there is method in the madness

• Wear something you are comfortable in

• Clothes should be clean and ironed

• Clothes should fit you well

• Wear solid colours (grey, navy, black) and add colour with accessories (NOT TOO MANY PLEASE) i.e. scarf, ring, belt

• Keep your makeup and perfume minimal

We don’t want any of this:

• Stick to silver or gold jewellery

• Hair to be clean and neat (tied or hanging neatly), men to trim or neaten up any unruly facial hair

NO, NEVER, EVER: 

• Cleavage

• Thigh high slits

• Backless tops

• Sheer material

• Female – Get rid of your moustache and do not wear a skirt if you have hairy legs (to each their own but employers do not want and need to see this)

1. Run through some basic interview questions and plan your answers

   • The first universal question, “Tell me about yourself” – Remember answer appropriately to the position you’re applying for, start from finishing school and move swiftly along

   • Describe how you’ve dealt with a conflict situation in your workplace

   • What are your strengths and weaknesses (don’t lie and say nothing, don’t be a bigger liar and say “My greatest weakness is that I’m too much of a perfectionist” do not listen to google when they tell you that this is the perfect answer, IT IS NOT and employers and HR people see through this.

     • Rather say (if it is true) that you found a challenge with time management however you have attended a workshop which has assisted you in planning and prioritizing your day / week / month / schedule

   • What are your career goals

Day of the interview:

1. Shower and shave (hahaha)

2. Lotion yourself (no one wants to look at your ashy elbows or knees) and if you want to wear perfume spritz and walk through (not everyone may love your magnolia perfume, so respect your panel)

3. Hair to be clean and neat (no oily hair day 3 ponytails)

4. Keep makeup to a minimum (Tip: blot your t zone if you tend to get oily there / set your makeup with powder / opt for a matt foundation)

5. Get dressed

6. Take a bottle of water with you

7. Arrive 30 min prior to interview, wait in your car for 10min (calm yourself down, go over the questions, practise smiling, put on lipstick, DO NOT SMOKE) then go inside

8. Announce yourself at reception and take a seat (CALM DOWN, breathe, have a sip of water, go to the bathroom)

THEN WOW THEM

Goodluck and if you’ve been to an interview lately let me know how it went, also, I’d love to hear about GREAT interview and EPIC FAILS.

Till Later

LT