Before The Interview
Always wear professionally when you are going for interview, even though you may think otherwise. For office job, you will need to wear a long sleeve shirt (Men) or a jacket plus a skirt/long pants (Women). If you are really unsure, it’s perfectly fine to ask the company. Usually it is always better to overdress than to be underdressed.
Have a bath, brush your teeth. Make sure there is no bad breath! J If you have, get a fresh mint sweet or use the Listerine mouth wash if needed.
Check the map in the directory and decide how you want to reach there. By bus, train or taxi/cab? Gather all relevant data that you need before you leave your home.
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged.
Reach the company about 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled time. NEVER ever be late. In the event you are caught in a traffic jam, call them to inform and apologise. Usually if you are late, you are OUT!
If there is a receptionist, go over and have a friendly chat with her, you can uncover many things that can be quite interesting, get to know her name too. It might come in handy at a later stage.
Switch off your mobile phone before attending the interview. It’s extremely rude if your phone rings during interview.
During The Interview
When you meet the interviewer, always shake his/her hands firmly. Do not brush your hand against the interviewer’s hand. It seems like you have not shaken his hands at all. It’s very impolite and it also signifies that you are insincere.
Remember to ask for the name of the interviewer. It’s alright to ask. If the name is unclear, ask again, you can even ask how it is spelt. You need not be shy to ask as it is always a compliment to the other party if you make the extra effort to know his/her name.
Make an effort to remember the name of the interviewer.
If you are able to get the business card of the interviewer, it will be good. At least you know the job title of the person and usually the business card will have a mobile phone number with other useful details.
There are generally 2 types of interviewers; the Human Resource department (where they will screen the first round) and the ultimate decision maker (the hiring manager or the boss). Generally if the company has about 30-50 or more staff, there should have a HR person. If you are being interview by a HR staff, be natural, they have interviewed so many thousands of people that any tricks that you want to attempt will be discovered by them within seconds…….more tips on interview… click here.
Dougles Chan is an International Head-hunter, a guru in recruitment, a trainer and a mentor. He uses the internet platform on email marketing, twitter marketing and creating new tools to maximise the efficiency in recruitment, sales and marketing. He trains and mentor individual, groups or companies on recruitment and internet technology. He is the creator of “Recruitment Apprentice”, C-Marketing, V-Marketing and T-Marketing which allows any business and sky-rocket their business traffic and sales in almost any sectors. To engage him as a mentor, trainer or consultant, please write to dc@dougleschan.com . Visit his website at www.DouglesChan.com.
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All very good advice and so important to always present yourself in the best possible way, with a positive attitude, looking your best, and to be prepared! If you are attending the Affiliate Summit West Conference, I would enjoy meeting you for an interview. Best regards, Nancy Ferrari
I would say it’s a good idea to take notes during the interview. It really helps with writing the personalized thank you notes.
its good in fact, but should not be more than 3-5 mins…if the whole session u be taking notes, it will not be good….