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The Job Interview

Types of Interviews

There are different types of job interviews:
  1. Most people will experience the normal one-on-one interview
  2. Telephonic interviews
  3. A panel interview where the candidate is interviewed by multiple people at once
  4. An interview via the internet, such as Skype
  5. A practical interview, which involves the candidate performing a task, which is then assessed
  6. A testing interview, where the candidate takes written or verbal tests.

Common MIstakes and What They Say About You

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.

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What to Wear


Dress for Men Business Casual 
  1. Blazer or jacket (no denim or leather)
  2. Button down long sleeve shirt (no T or golf shirts)
  3. Tie is optional
  4. Dark shoes
  5. Pressed clean trousers (no jeans)

Dress for Women Business Casual 
  1. Blazer or jacket (no denim or leather)
  2. Knee length skirt or dress
  3. No T shirts
  4. Nothing tight
  5. Nothing low cut
  6. Pants must fit (no denim or leather)
  7. Minimal jewellery
  8. Minimal make up
Reasons Employers give for Not Hiring a Person
  1. Sarcastic or defensive responses 
  2. Boastful or “know it all” attitude 
  3. Over aggressive or high-pressure type 
  4. Makes excuses or lies about unfavourable facts in record 
  5. Seems unprepared for interview—late, cannot answer  questions, etc. 
  6. Poor grooming or personal appearance 
  7.  Immature or ill-mannered behaviour 
  8. Speaks negatively of former co-workers, school, or  other people 
  9. Lazy or low on energy 
  10. Talks about personal problems 
  11. Radical ideas—politics, religion, dress, life-style, etc. 
  12. Seems overly concerned about salary and benefits 
  13. Shows no interest in company or job 
  14. Undecided—appears to rely on others to make their decisions 
  15. Doesn’t ask any questions about the job 
  16. Poor work history—a “job hopper” 
  17. Fails to make good eye contact 
  18. Limp handshake 
  19. Lack of confidence—poor posture, shy, etc. 
  20. Unable to take criticism 
  21. Appears to have trouble getting along with others