Interview dos and don’ts

By Angela Bensemann

If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, recently made redundant, or have been in the same job for ages chances are it’s a long time since you last went for an interview. 

Having sat on both sides of the fence I’ve picked up some pointers for what works well in an interview.

My two most memorable faux pas were my cell phone ringing in the middle of an interview and announcing at an interview for a job as a press secretary at Parliament that I had no interest in politics. 

Strangely I got the job where my cell phone rang but no, I didn’t get the job at Parliament.

Here are some of my key interview tips:

• Be prepared.  Research the company and the position.  Find out as much as you can through their website, annual reports, talking to people who work there, google, Facebook, the companies office etc.
• Think up examples of previous work or experience that meets the requirements of the job description.  If you’ve been a long time between jobs think of all the other things you’ve been doing and how they relate.
• Dress appropriately.  Find out beforehand what kind of company it is.  If it is the local dairy you could wear tidy but informal clothes.  If it is a multi-national corporation you might want to wear a suit or something more formal.  Check out our guide on what to wear to an interview.
• Take along some samples of your work if they are relevant.  If you are going for a design job take along a portfolio.  If you are a hairdresser take along some photos of your creations
• Jot down some questions you might have for those interviewing you.  Remember the interview is a two-way street you want to make sure the job is a good fit for you.
• Take a deep breath and remain calm. This might sound impossible but practise before hand and just take your time.  If you are really nervous you might want to break the ice by saying so.
• Shake hands firmly and smile.
• Look the interviewer in the eye.  If it is a panel make sure to look at all members to include them in your reply.
• Answer to the best of your ability using your examples – this is your chance so don’t sell yourself short.
• Never ever lie – you will be found out.
• Don’t mention money in the first interview unless they bring it up or you get the feeling that you are wasting everyone’s time because they are likely to be paying too little.  The question of salary expectations is usually a second interview discussion.
• Ask when you are likely to hear back from them.
• Shake hands and smile when leaving.

Good luck.