The Job Interview
Types of Interviews
There are different types of job interviews:
- Most people will experience the normal one-on-one interview
- Telephonic interviews
- A panel interview where the candidate is interviewed by multiple people at once
- An interview via the internet, such as Skype
- A practical interview, which involves the candidate performing a task, which is then assessed
- A testing interview, where the candidate takes written or verbal tests.
Common MIstakes and What They Say About You
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1. Not being on time: Shows that you are disorganised and unreliable Be at least 10 minutes early. Wait quietly and patiently. If you are late, call in advance and apologise. Offer to reschedule.
2. Not dressing appropriately: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have low self esteem. If in doubt, dress business casual (see next section). Hair should always be neat and clean. Makeup, scent and jewellery should be muted and subtle. 3. Being too friendly or informal with the interviewing: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. Be polite and professional. 4. Inappropriate speech or language, such as slang or swearing: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. Be polite and professional. 5. Finding fault with the interview or interviewer (i.e.: slight delay in the interview etc): Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. If there are any mistakes made by the interviewer, Say “These things happen”, smile with charm and move on. 6. Being arrogant: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. Talk neutrally about your successes and achievements, while showing that you want to learn and grow more. 7. Having no questions prepared to ask the interviewer: Shows that you are not being prepared to answer basic questions. Knowing nothing about the company you are being interview at That you do not care much about this job and have put no effort into planning for the interview. Shows you are lazy, unreliable and unprofessional. Do at least 2 hours preparation for every interview. 8. Only asking the interview about salary and time off: Shows that you are only interested in what will benefit you. Ask questions about the future goals of the company, new ideas, new opportunities etc 9. Bad cellphone etiquette (looking at your phone, leaving it on etc.): Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. The phone is switched off and stowed away, along with all earpieces before you enter the building. You may meet the interviewer in the corridor, and you will then be fumbling with wires. 10. Eating or drinking during the interview: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. This is also seen by many people as disrespectful. If offered tea or coffee, politely decline. You may spill or knock the drink over in the interview. 11. Not introducing yourself : Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. This is also seen by many people as disrespectful. Introduce yourself clearly and pronounce your name slowly. If the interview forgets or mispronounces your name, smile with charm and move on. 12. Not remembering the interviewer’s name: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. This is also seen by many people as disrespectful. Use the interviewer’s name when answering questions. 13. Speaking negatively about your previous employer: Shows that you have poor social skills, specifically the ability to judge social situations accurately. That you have poor self management skills. This is also seen by many people as disrespectful. It also shows you to be disloyal. Talk neutrally about any challenges you may have had in previous jobs, but only if asked. Source: NICRO (2014). Workseekers Programme Facilitator Manual. |
What to Wear
Dress for Men Business Casual
Dress for Women Business Casual
Reasons Employers give for Not Hiring a Person
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