THE INTERVIEW

You are being interviewed because the employer wants to hire someone - not to trip you up or embarrass you. The employer will be evaluating your strong and weak points - your qualifications, skills, intellectual qualities, attitude, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

Some "Dos and Don'ts" concerning the interview:-

• DO plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
  
• If the employer presents you with an application form to complete, DO fill it out neatly and fully. DON'T relax and rely on your application or C.V. to do the selling for you.
  Employers will want you to speak for yourself.
  
• DO greet the employer by his surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you aren't sure ask him to repeat his name.
  Create a positive first impression by giving the appearance of energy as you walk, smiling and shaking his hand firmly.
  
• DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair. Look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile.
  
• DON'T smoke even if the employer smokes and offers you a cigarette. DON'T chew gum or eat.
  
• DO look an employer in the eye while you talk to them.
  
• DO follow the employer's leads, but try to get them to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and achievements to the position.
  
• DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain wherever possible.
  
• DO make sure that your good points come across to the employer in a factual, logical and sincere manner. Stress achievements e.g. - sales record, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed and so on.
  
• DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as "to the point" as possible.
  
• DON'T ever make derogatory comments about your present or former employers or companies.
  
• DON'T over-answer questions. The employer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this is a ticklish situation it is best to answer the question honestly, trying not to say any more than is necessary.
  
• DON'T enquire about the salary, holidays, bonuses or other benefits at the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you. If the employer asks what salary you want, indicate what you have earned but that you are more interested in the opportunity than in a specific amount at the present.
  
• DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of offers rather than only one.