Interview Tips

Preparing for the Interview

• Find out as much as you can --- Research the company and be informed about its products and services. The employer will be impressed by your knowledge. Make sure you understand which questions are inappropriate for an employer to ask you during an interview. You must also be prepared how to deal with the situation if they do ask you such questions. If possible, get a copy of the job description, so you will be familiar with the responsibilities of the job.
• References --- Have your references ready and neatly typed on a separate piece of paper. Give them to the employer at the end of the interview.
• Salary --- Have an idea of the salary range you expect.
• Practice --- Practice possible questions and answers. This will make you less nervous during the interview.
• Be prepared to offer examples --- Thing about the impression you want to create, the work experience, the skills, personal characteristics and achievements that you want the employer to be aware of.
• Review --- Review your experiences from previous interviews. If you have made mistakes in the past, make sure that you don't repeat them during this interview.
• Relevant questions --- Prepare the questions that you will ask the employer. Make sure they are relevant and that they convey your interest in the position.
• Everything with you --- Make sure you take everything with you that you might need: extra copies of your resume, notepaper and pens, list of references, copies of recommendation letters and relevant training or educational documents.
• Location --- Make sure you know the correct location of the interview and the name and title of the person you are to meet. Find out approximately how long it will take you to travel to the interview by TTC, or by car if you are driving. If you do go by car, make sure you know if there is parking nearby.
• On time --- Arrive on time, preferably ten minutes early, so that you have time to complete an application form if asked to do so. Also it will give you some time to relax, go to the washroom, check your appearance and review your resume. If you are going to be late, make sure you call the interviewer to let them know. Apologize to the interviewer and explain the situation. Ask them if they would like you to come in as planed, or if they would prefer to reschedule the interview.
• Dress --- Be neat, clean and appropriately dressed according to the job applied for and the work environment. Avoid being "over-dressed" or "too casual".
• Be optimistic ---Remember that employers want to hire someone and they are hoping that you are the ideal candidate. They want you to perform well, so be optimistic.
• Personal matters --- Do not mention personal matters or problems during the interview.
• Relax --- Make sure you try to relax before going into the interview. Do whatever you can to relax yourself (deep breathing, fresh air, etc.). Employers will expect you to be somewhat nervous, so try to focus on the questions you are being asked.
• Be friendly --- Be friendly with everyone you meet at the company, including the receptionist and secretary. These people will give feedback to the person interviewing you.
  

Making a good first impression

• Handshake --- Smile and shake hands firmly when you meet your interviewer.
• Listening Skill --- Show your enthusiasm by making eye contact and maintaining an interested expression. Nod and gesture in moderation. Before you answer make sure you understand what is being asked of you. If you are unsure, ask the interviewer for clarification. Think about your answer before you speak, you are not in a race to answer the questions. Give some thought to each response.
• Answering Skill --- Answer the questions briefly and concisely, do not ramble. Provide specific examples of your relevant accomplishments. Emphasize your strengths and stay positive. While it is important to tell a story, do not over-elaborate. When you have finished answering the question, stop talking. Within your answers, make certain you refer to your skills, education, and experience. Relate your accomplishments and strengths to the needs of the position.
• Second interview --- In a second or follow-up interview, show the same interest, enthusiasm and professionalism that you displayed in the first interview. Be prepared for a different interview style and treat everyone you meet with the same professional manner.
• End of interview --- Ask what the next step will be. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and interest.
• Things to avoid --- Never interrupt the interviewer.

After the Interview

• Bevertec consultant ---Contact your Bevertec Consultant after every interview. Ask for feedback so you can learn how to create a better impression.
• Thank you letter --- Be open to suggestions-don't let hurt feelings stand in the way of improvement. Send a brief thank-you letter to the interviewer a day or two after you've met.