What is an Interview?

An interview is a twenty minute window of opportunity to make a lasting first impression on your future employer.

Fact: It takes less than 8 seconds to make a lasting first impression

Fill out the Application with care and attention.

Ensure your hand writing is legible. Watch for spelling mistakes, it is the

most common fault in any application and it makes a very poor first impression.

Do not scribble out mistakes , it looks very untidy.

Do not change pen colour while filling out an application, use a Black or Blue pen only.

Read the application form thoroughly before completing it, understand exactly what you are applying for.

Complete the application honestly and accurately.

Normally applicants are met on arrival and they are escorted to the interview area.

When you are introduced to the interviewer, establish eye contact and shake hands firmly.

The interviewer will most likely start with questions about school or pastimes, so relax and smile.

Most interviews are ‘competencies’ based,so your questions will be on those.

Consider what the job is likely to be about and be prepared to talk on the subject.

Your ability to do the job will be based on your past experience and your attitude to working in a ‘customer oriented’ environment.

Be positive and look attentive at all times.

Ensure that your appearance is clean-cut, neat and tidy.

A firm hand shake is also very important for first impressions.

Always arrive at least 10mins before the interview.

It is wise to do some research, either about the job or the Company, in order to help in the answering of questions.

Never answers a question with a “Yes” or “No” unless of course that is what the question requires.

Sit upright with both your feet on the ground.

Place your hands on your knees or rest your hands in your lap.

Refrain from leaning back in your seat or sitting forward with your elbows resting on the interviewers desk.

If the interviewer relaxes and sits back to fold their legs don’t be fooled, this is not your cue to do the same.

Don’t look at your feet or hands when you are answering questions.

Although you may be nervous don’t fidget. And finally don’t chew gum under any

circumstances.

Female Absolutely minimal

Make up. Anything tasteful is acceptable.

It is advisable not to wear several sets of earrings, nose rings or, eyebrow bars.

Ensure that hands have a clean cared-for look.

Clothing should be clean, pressed, neat and conservative.

School uniform is acceptable once neat.

Male No earrings or

eyebrow bars. Clean shaven and a

neat conservative hair cut.

Neat clean clothing - your school uniform is acceptable once it’s neat.

Footwear should be conservative also.

A shirt and tie is more than acceptable.

Refrain from using bad language or looking unkempt.

Switch off mobile phone and beepers.

Do not answer any questions that you do not understand - apologise and ask the interviewer to repeat the question.

Socialising and watching T.V. are not valid hobbies.

Under no circumstances should you criticise your current employment or former employment.