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The Interview Assistant 1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     1. Introduction   A job interview is an exchange of information between you (to find out about the company) and the company (to find out about you). But you must be prepared. Click on any of the links above to find out more about what you should bear in mind both before and during the interview. Once you have read through the different chapters and you are ready to work through the practice questions you can choose between three levels of information and guidance: Entry - for those who have little or no work experience (such as college/school leaveres) who are taking their first step on the career ladder Career - those who have some work history and are now ready to advance in their career Executive - for those who are working at middle or senior management level, and who may not have had the need to be interviewed for some time. Click on the relevant link in the menu bar above. Note that the levels are not rigidly defined and you may find that you fall between two. In that case you can take suggestions from both levels.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     2. Research the Job   What? You will want to find out details of things like: responsibilities who you report to training opportunities hours pay and conditions How? You can find out from: the job advertisement a job description a preliminary telephone conversation with employer or consultant personal contacts.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     3. Research the Company   What? Things you might want to find out about include: size history structure culture ownership (public, private, part of a group) competitors. How? You can find out from: annual reports sales literature house magazines directories the Internet preliminary telephone conversation with employer or consultant personal contacts.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     4. Appearance   Make sure that you are: clean (fingernails, hair, shoes) smart (wear clothes that are comfortable and that are suitable for the job/company). If in doubt, be more formal than not. Don't overdo perfume, aftershave, or jewellery.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     5. Plan the Journey   Ask for a map or directions. Decide on your route and method of transport. Allow plenty of time. If you intend to drive, check car parking arrangements. Take the company's phone number with you in case of delay.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     6. Attitude   Think positive. Think about your strengths. Believe in yourself. Believe that you can get the job.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     7. First Impressions   Remember: 80% of interviews are decided in the first four minutes. 80% of communication is body language. So it is important to make a good impression from the start: Be punctual. Be courteous - the security guard, receptionist, secretary - anyone of them may influence the interviewer in some way and your attitude and behaviour to them may be significant Shake hands firmly, smile and try to relax. Sit well back in the chair, sit upright and be comfortable. Do not slouch. Listen to what the interviewer is actually saying and not what you think they are saying. Make eye contact.   1. Introduction 2. Research the Job 3. Research the Company 4. Appearance 5. Plan the Journey 6. Attitude 7. First Impressions 8. During the Interview     8. During the Interview   Be yourself. Be concise. Be enthusiastic. Stay alert. Make sure you are clear about next steps (when will they contact you again, will there be a second interview?) before leaving the interview.   1. Introduction   2. Research the Job   3. Research the Company   4. Appearance   5. Plan the Journey   6. Attitude   7. First Impressions   8. During the Interview       If you have any questions or suggestions please email us. Thank you!