Now this can be a challenge to the nervous system; meeting your prospective new employer in surroundings new to you, confronted by unfamiliar faces and at the same time you have to sell yourself. Are you fully ready for the challenge? If not then read on …

Before The Interview:

Do your homework on the prospective company. They will expect you to know about them, how they operate and perhaps have some knowledge of company history. To find out this type of information ring for a prospectus or visit the company "About Us" page on their website. (You will find most companies large or small now possess a company website)

Have a clear idea of the position you are being interviewed for. You might well be applying for several positions through different sources so it’s easy to get confused. Know what they are looking for and the specific duties involved in the position. Be well prepared to face some challenging questions.

How you propose to arrive at the interview? By car, train, bus or perhaps jumbo jet? You need to know door-to-door journey times and the routes involved. Remember to give yourself extra time for mishaps, such as traffic congestion or making that wrong turn. There is nothing worse than turning up for an interview late, frustrated or stressed. Many company websites have maps with route finders to help visitors. For those that don’t, make use of a route finder website such as Multimap.com.

Will you need to stay overnight? If so do you have to find accommodation yourself? Who pays? If the prospective company pays what is your expenditure limit? You will need to be clear on such matters.

Write a list of possible questions that you feel are fitting for the position, which address concerns and aspects you are interested in. It also demonstrates that you are keen and interested.

Know what you are worth and the market you are entering by researching different sources to get a good idea of your true current value.

Dress appropriately for the interview. “Smart but casual” is almost always considered inappropriate.
· Clean
· Tidy
· Respectable
Get enough sleep the night before. You do not want to start yawning during your interview or be less than sharp.

Arrival at the Interview:

Know the name of the person you are meeting. On arrival your first point of call is likely to be reception; remember to be polite and friendly. On meeting your interviewer(s) appear confident, approachable, smile and look interested.

Speak in a clear tone. Try to keep calm to help clear thinking. It’s easy to get frustrated and muddled, but you have got this far so take enough time to give measured responses. It’s only a short distance now to achieving your goal.

First impressions count. The interviewer will be assessing you from the moment of contact. Your appearance is likely to influence their attitude to important aspects such as your experience and capabilities that will be discussed during the coming interview.

Breaking the ice. Normally the interviewer will begin by putting you at ease but be warned. Sometimes they slip in a pre-interview "Would you like to tell me about yourself?" Remember good preparation is the answer!

The Interview:

An interview normally splits into two parts: the formal question and answer session designed to assess your suitability for the position followed by, an invitation for you to field your own questions.

Answer the question asked. Give your reply clearly, firmly, positively and concisely. If you cannot think of an ideal answer then try to answer as closely as possible.

Questions may be asked in a hostile manner in order to see how candidates handle themselves under conflict conditions. Try not to get flustered.

Questions to expect. Perhaps the greatest anxiety is not knowing what questions may be asked? What areas will the interviewer try to explore? The short answer is no two interviews are the same. This means being well prepared and prepared to field the unexpected.

Typical Questions in an Interview:

· "What makes you think you would be ideal for this job/position?"
· "Why did you apply for this position?"
· "What experience have you in this field?"
· "What do you consider your highest career achievement so far?"
· "What would you say are your main weaknesses?"
· "Why do you want to leave your current place of employment?"
· "What salary are you looking for?"
· "Will you accept this position if it is offered to you?"
· "What can you contribute to this company?"
· "What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?"
· "What are your religious beliefs?"
· "Do you smoke?"
· "Do you get on with other people?"
· "Would you be content working under a woman/man?"
· "Do you take work home with you?"
· "Do you belong to any clubs?"
· "How would you feel about relocating?"
· "Do you have a temper?"
· "What are your political beliefs?"
· "If you joined the company how long would you anticipate staying here?"
· "What would you do if you received a better offer after accepting this one?"
· "Do you have any objection to our taking up referees?"
· "What are your short and long term career plans?"
· "What would your ideal job be?"
· "Is salary or job satisfaction more important?"
· "What did you gain form your previous job/position?"
· "What is your idea of success?"
· "How do you feel about interviews?"
· "What would you do if you won the lottery?"

It may be appropriate to qualify your reply with a brief example of a related success or achievement, or to return a question to the interviewer. In the latter case it is important that your question demonstrates your depth of knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, it is only too natural for people who are nervous to talk on. You must avoid this as it has side affects such as:

· It bores the interviewer.
· You may be digging holes for yourself and uncover information that you may regret.
· It leads the interviewer to ask questions that they may not have previously considered.
· It increases the tension on both sides.

Ask the questions you previously wrote if they have not been answered during the course of the interview. Make it a two-way discussion but remember who is being interviewed.

An assessment as to your genuine interest in the job will be made from the apparent importance you place on information given about conditions of employment such as salary, holidays, pension etc. Pensions are commonly discussed after mutual acceptability is established.

Questions to ask:

The following questions could be asked at the appropriate time:
· "What will my tasks, duties, responsibilities specifically involve?"
· "What precisely will be expected from me?"
· "How will my performance in the position be judged?"
· "Is there an appraisal scheme?"
· "What are the immediate priority tasks for the job?"
· "What has happened to the previous employee who held this position?"
· "Will there be any training available?"
· "What are the career prospects?"
· "What is your sales area?"
· "What is your share in the market?"
· "What are the company plans for the future?"
· "To what extent is it involved in overseas trade?"
· "What are the company’s bottle-necks or problems?"
· "Is there a company pension?"
· "Is there a benefits package? If so what is it?"

At the end of the interview you may ask:

· "What stage are they at in their interview process?"
· “Whether there will be a 2nd or maybe 3rd interview?”
· "What is the next step as far as you are concerned?"
· "When will they expect to let you know?"
As you leave exchange a firm handshake, thank the interviewer(s) for their time and say that you look forward to hearing from them shortly.

After the interview:

If you went through an agency ring your consultant and let them know how the interview went and of any queries regarding the company/interview which you may have (they will be interested to know).
Then it is a simple case of time waiting, to hear the result. Remember if the result is unsuccessful, at least you will have now gained that extra interview technique experience to help benefit you for the next gruelling interview.

GOOD LUCK

Skills

Resume and Cover Letter Skills,

How to write a cover letter: -

Deciding on whether to change your job and move on is not an easy task, most of us have been there at one time or another or have found ourselves in a situation where we are forced to look for