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Top 10: General Interview Tips

Number 10

Plan Ahead

Be Prepared! Do a little homework prior to the interview. Browse through the employers' website and learn something about the company before you attend your interview. Research the company and the position if possible, as well as the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted towards the companies' needs. Prepare your facts and get them right!

Number 9

Role Play

Once you have finished your research, begin role playing (rehearsing). Be prepared for questions that are frequently asked by employers such as "Tell me about yourself" or "Why should we hire you?" Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know. It is good to get the advice from those who are more experienced or better still, from the HR people to get a clear picture on what the recruiters are looking for.

Number 8

First Impression Counts!

You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Dress professionally and appropriately (according to the job you are applying for). Flip-flop sandals and singlet are definitely out.

Number 7

Be On Time!

If possible, try getting to the venue before the actual interview day to see how long it will take. Public transport may be unreliable, you may have been stuck in heavy traffic, but however reasonable your excuses are, they won't change the fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Remember that first impression counts!

Worse comes to worst, if you are going to be late, ring your interviewer(s) and let them know. It is a matter of courtesy.

Number 6

Be Positive!

Don't criticise past employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views. In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers,. And don't talk too much! You may be shooting yourself in your foot (literally) when you disclose too much of information that you do not wish to be known in the first place.

Number 5

Encourage

Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest.

Number 4

Eye Contact

Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show that you want the job with interest.

Number 3

Adapt and relate

Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position. Talk about specific achievements!

Interviewers like to know how you felt about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you've done that you're particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.

Number 2

Be honest!

There really is no point lying about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, or even manage to get away with it by getting employed and then get found out, you can be sure you won't be around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs - if there isn't a good match, then chances are that the job won't work out.

Number 1

And finally, don't give up!

The fact is that you will not be offered every job you applied for, however perfect you think you may be for it. Feedback from interviews where you have been turned down can be invaluable for improving future results. Ask politely if they can give you any feedback. Always remember that there is a job out there for you somewhere.