Interviewing you will need more than a Shoeshine
Performing well at an interview can make the difference between success and failure. The way in which you come across at an interview can make all the difference in whether or not you gain employment. The first thing one must keep in mind is that preparation is everything. Never leave anything to chance.Confirm by telephone that you will be attending. Also find out the name of the interviewer and what you will be doing on the day of the interview.. Attending an interview unprepared is akin to turning up undressed.Always be as prepared as you possibly can be. In fact, a day or two before you are due to attend the interview make sure you know exactly where it is you will be going by doing a trial run..By doing a trial run you will know how long it will take to get there. At this point you must allow for certain delays caused by traffic jams, or public transport running late. Work all of these things out and, above all, make allowances for bad weather.The worst thing one can do is turn up late for your interview. This does not make a very good impression at all and lateness will be noted by the interviewer.Turning up for your interview in scruffy clothing, is also frowned upon and will result in a black mark against you. Make an effort as far as your clothing is concerned and wear suitable attire. Long hair is also frowned upon when attending an interview. Keep your hair short and neat.Knowing nothing about the company you are applying for is considered bad manners. Do your research and find out as much as you can about the company you have applied to work for. The interviewer will be greatly impressed if you know, at least, the background history of the company he or she is in charge off..Listen carefully to what the interviewer is telling you. Pay attention to how the company is run, and what is to be expected of you, should you gain employment. When sitting at an interview never slouch back in your chair [again, considered bad manners.] You will come across too relaxed and not taking the interview seriously enough.Be prepared to ask questions about the company [ interviewers always like this, as this means you are showing an interest in the company.] Never be afraid to ask about the hours and rate of pay. A lot of people baulk at this question, but you need to know at what rate of pay you will be starting out at.Ask also whether there is a chance of promotion within the company related to performance, or after a certain number of years working there. It is not what you say, but how you say it which can greatly leave an impression upon the interviewer.Interviews should be followed-up and followed through within 24 hours.Follow-up your interview by writing down the correct names and titles of all who interviewed you - including the receptionist or personal assistant. Do this within 24 hours after the interview. Send personalised thank you cards to the interviewer, personal assistant, and everyone else involved in the interview- saying something different on each one..Follow-through: Call your interviewer, thanking him or her for their time with you - this should be done on the same day. Keep it short as they will inevitably be busy. Notes sent to the interviewer expressing your thanks, should be done within two days.
