Women Mean Business Advice

This time round I want to focus on the next stage in this process, how to get ready for, and handle yourself during the interviewing stage.

If you put in the time and effort to get your CV toned and streamlined you should be willing to put in the same level of effort for your interview. Preparation is the key. The more you prepare in advance, the more you’ll be able to relax and be yourself in the interview itself.

It is vital that you get as much information as possible on the position and the company to which you have applied. This shows initiative, interest and motivation.  You should be very clear about your own interests and aims and be ready to explain why you want the job and how it fits in with your goals.
You should anticipate potential questions based on your knowledge of the company and also based on previous experience as stated in your CV.

Questions you should prepare for range from the open ended “tell me about yourself”, to more direct queries about your experience, duties and responsibilities in previous roles, where you see yourself in the future, and what are your worst and best qualities.

First impressions last. It’s important that you are well groomed and suitably dressed. If you do well enough to be called for a second interview, don’t let your guard down. Treat it with the same respect (if not more) than the first interview.

Your interviewers should also give you a chance to ask some questions of your own. This is another chance for you to illustrate how engaged you are with the position, and also to guage how suitable the role is for your needs.

You should be prepared to ask about the most important duties the job entails, the potential for training and advancement, and whether your skills and experience match those needed for the position.

Do some research, if you can, on the typical salary for the job in question. If the interviewer asks you about the salary you require, you will know the facts regarding a competetive salary.

With all this preparation behind you, the interview itself should be a doddle. You should make sure that you have a copy of your CV, reference letters, examination cerificates and contact details and directions to the company when you set out to the interview.

After the interview
Once the interview is over you should write a thank you note as soon as possible. This note should say you appreciate the time taken to meet with you, reinforce your interest in the job and recap on why you think you are the right person for the job.

Interview Dont’s
Don’t give short answers
Don’t be negative, especially about previous employers
Don’t lie about your skills, experience or education.
Don’t become frustrated over difficult or stressful questions
Don’t go overboard to provide more information than is required