• Research the company. Think of the qualities the company will be looking for from you.
• Check the date, time and venue of the interview, also name and title of the interviewer.
• Make sure you look smart. Please check with us for appropriate dress code for particular clients.  For clients requiring a suit, wear a dark suit with a conservative tie, dark (clean) shoes and dark socks.
• Arrive early – but at the interview on time.
• When you meet with your interviewer give a firm handshake and only sit down when invited to do so.
• Smile – be pleased to be at the interview.
• You might like to bring a pen and paper to write on but this optional. If you do remember to ask the interviewer if he/she does not mind you writing down information during the interview.  Also write down 5 questions that you will ask the interviewer.

The Interviewer is looking to satisfy 5 key requirements:

• Can you do the job?
• Do you fit the company image?
• Will you complement or disrupt the department?
• Is the money right?
• Can you, by joining the company, help the interviewer to be more successful in their job?

 Beware of the 5 deadly traps:

• Failure to listen to the question.
• Answering a question that was not asked.
• Providing superfluous information.
• Attempting an interview without preparation.
• Being too passive. Remember the interview is a two way dialogue.

The interviewer will be looking for the following personal qualities and you will need to find examples of each one from your work experience:

Drive – you are goal-orientated and want to get things done (need examples)

Motivation – You are enthusiastic and willing to ask questions.  You will take the initiative and enjoy challenges (need examples).

Communication – You can talk and write effectively (need examples).

Chemistry – You are confident and optimistic. You do not get rattled. A team player. (need examples).

Energy – You will work hard and give that little bit of extra effort (need examples).

Determination – You do not back off when the going gets tough. You will see the job through. (need examples).

Confidence – You are not arrogant, but friendly, honest and open (need examples).

Reliability – Doing the job yourself both properly and on time (need examples).

Honest and Integrity – Taking responsibility for your actions and making decisions in the best interest if your company (need examples).

Pride – Pride in a job well done (need examples).

Dedication – Doing whatever it takes to see a project through to completion. (need examples).

Analytical Skills – The ability to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision (need examples).

Listening Skills – The ability to listen and understand (need examples).

Economy – The ability to save money for the company by being both efficient and economical (need examples).

Profitability – The ability to make the company money through your contribution – which is the goal of every employer (need examples).

Questions

Good topics to touch on include:

• The competitive environment in which the organisation operates.
• Executive management styles.
• What obstacles the organisation anticipates in meeting its goals.
• How the organisation's goals have changed over the past three to five years.

Generally, it is most unwise to ask about pay or benefits or other similar areas. The reason is that it tends to make you seem more interested in what the organisation can do for you. It is also not a good idea to simply have no questions at all. Doing so makes you appear passive rather than curious and interested.

1. What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
2. How does the company expect these objectives to be met?
3. What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives?
4. What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?
5. What resources are available from the company and what must be found elsewhere to reach the objectives?

General Questions

 (1) Tell me about you! Keep your answer to one or two minutes; do not ramble. Use your CV summary as a starting point.

(2) What do you know about our company? Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, people, skills, history and philosophy. Be able to demonstrate an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.

(3) Why do you want to work for us? Do not talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.

 (4) How long would you stay with us? As long as we both feel I am contributing, achieving, growing, etc.

(5) Why are you leaving your present job? Regardless of why you left, do not speak badly about your previous employer. Keep it positive, such as you are looking for a greater technical challenge.

(6) How would you evaluate your present company? An excellent company, that afforded me many fine experiences.

 (7) In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least? Be honest but positive.

(8) In your current or last position, what are or were your five most significant achievements? Refer to the key achievements already identified on your CV. 

(9) What do you think of your manager? Be as positive as you can.

(10) If I spoke to your previous manager, what would s/he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Emphasise skills - do not be overly negative about your weaknesses; it is always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming.

(11) Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.? Yes, it is a way of life in business – back up the yes answer with a relevant example.

 (12) What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make? Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.

(13) What is the toughest part of a job for you? Be honest; remember, not everyone can do everything.

 (14) What are your future goals? Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-term goals.

(15) What are your strong points? Give at least three and relate them to the company and job you are interviewing for.

(16) What are your weak points? Do not say you have none. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer presses. Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."