THE THREE BIG MISTAKES

 

It is a rare person indeed who can honestly say s/he enjoys interviews.  Not even many interviewers enjoy them.  Its supposed to be a calm, friendly, informative and professional situation and we are often told by interviewers, “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.  Relax and enjoy the interview.”  But, lets face it, THAT’S never going to happen.

However, there are plenty of things you can do to make the whole experience a little less frightening than the butterflies in our stomachs would have us believe!

 

• Prepare for Interview: 
• practice possible questions,
• ensure your interview suit is ready to wear,
• check the location and directions,
• check your travel timing, 
• read thoroughly the job description.

• At interview:
• give a firm hand shake,
• refuse a drink in case you spill it,
• look the interviewer in the eye,
• listen carefully to the questions,
• keep your answers short and concise.  Don’t waffle. 
• Be formal but friendly and smile.

 

• After interview:
• follow it up by phoning the Interviewer for feedback and reiterating your interest in the role.

 

• Remember throughout:
• there is more than one job out there, if this is not the one, the world will not end!

 

However, you can seriously ruin your chances by making three very simple mistakes:

 

              1.  DON’T ARRIVE LATE:  there really is no excuse

 

2.  DRESS APPROPRIATELY: the interviewer will have made an effort, so should you;

 

3. DON’T BE OVER FRIENDLY:  Keep it formal, the interviewer is not your mate!

 

The part-time job market is competitive enough, you need to sell yourself in a good light so don’t hinder yourself by making minor but all too important mistakes.

Good luck!