Interview Tips

Before you go for an interview you should have the following:

• Some information about the company
• A copy of your CV
• Copies of your certificates
• A copy of your ID book
• A copy of your drivers licence (if applicable)

Dress code:

• Make sure you are well presented, neat and tidy;
• You should be dressed professionally/formally. Dress up, not down;
• No sneakers, no slops, no sunglasses on your head, no revealing or low cut tops, no short skirts, etc;
• Make sure your hair is neat and tidy, out of your face. No punk hair styles.

More tips to prepare you for the interview:

• Don’t take friends or family with you into an interview, leave them either in the car or in reception.

• Don’t smell of cigarette smoke, or of strong perfume, chew gum before your interview, but not during.

• Make sure you know where you are going, have a map book in case you get lost, arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the interview. If you are running late phone and advise them. Don’t arrive any earlier than 15 minutes, if you are early then wait in your car.

• When you arrive at the company, go to reception and say “Hello, I am Sara Macheka, I have an appointment for an interview with Mr Scott”.

• They will probably give you an application form to complete, read through it carefully before you complete it, it looks very unprofessional and it shows lack of attention when you complete it incorrectly. If you are not sure about something, ask.

• Sit up straight at all times, make sure your cell phone is either off or on silent. While you are waiting to be interviewed you can make polite conversation with the receptionist/secretary. Be friendly.

• Be relaxed – especially important if the job you are going for requires client or customer contact – if you can’t be relaxed while being interviewed, you will not get a customer / client related job.

• When the person who will be interviewing you comes to greet you, stand up and shake their hand firmly (this shows respect as well as strength and courage) and introduce yourself. “Good Morning I am Chantelle De Jager”

• Even though you might be nervous, you should speak calmly, slowly and clearly. But not too slow as they might think there is something wrong with you.

• When you go to the meeting room:

• Don’t take a seat until you are offered a seat or until they take a seat
• Sit up straight
• Look interested at all times
• Look the interviewer in the eye, this shows respect and it shows you are not scared of speaking to people.

• Don’t smoke if the interviewer offers you, if they offer you coffee, rather take a glass of water.

• Answer questions thoughtfully and honestly. Be yourself.

• DON’T make derogatory remarks about previous or present employers, this reflects badly on you.