10 Things on your To Do list before your interview!

Congratulations you have got that Job interview!

 How important is this new job to you?

It could be a life changing event, so you need to prepare because if you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail before you start.

 You do not need to be the best of the best just better than the rest. The anxiety of interview affects everyone, but if you plan you take some of that pressure off.

 1.   Job description: Read it, learn it, know it.

 You need to match your skills and experience to the Job Description that you have applied for, as you are there to sell yourself. It is a sales pitch. The best sales pitch matches, what the client wants.

 Always, Always Remember to take a copy with you!

 2.   Your CV: Bring a copy with you!!

The interviewer is very busy and may not be properly prepared.  If you have a hard copy of your CV and give it to them at the interview (if needed), it makes you look competent and efficient. Employers hire competent and efficient!

 3.   Questions: Will be asked.

They are going to ask you questions, have some answers. It is only a difficult question if you do not know the answer!

          4.  Have questions: not how much are you going to pay me? or what is the package? The “what is in it for me?” questions. Yes you want to know “what is in it for me,” but be subtle, it is not a Dead Parrot and you are not in a Monty Python sketch. Google it!

          5. Know about the company:  if as DISCREETLY as possible you have knowledge of the interviewer or bio of significant people in the company and other company information, it shows you are taking an interest. They want to see you have made an effort not that you have memorised the last year’s stock holder’s report. Nobody likes a smart arse!

          6.  Pen, Note pad, calculator even examples of work: You may be asked to fill in a form. Have a decent pen with you. I do not mean a very expensive pen used for your special occasions. One that works, writes well that you would not be embarrassed by. If you bring out a chewed, cracked, germ dripping cheap biro, what does that say about you?

 A note pad, you may need to take notes. It looks more efficient if you have a pad or note book rather than a napkin from the café down the street with a coffee stain on it. Calculator, you may need one. This shows you as organised, that you have planned well, Employers like organised, efficient, professional people in the work environment!

          7.   Brief case, desk folder, document carrier: You have got a hard copy of your CV, your pen, note pad, calculator, portfolio of work etc. Have something to put them in. If you store these items in you clothing it will spoil the line of your outfit, papers will get creased in your pockets. It looks better to have an organised file that you can get what you need and give it to the interviewer rather than desperately searching your clothing like an amateur magician who has lost the Rabbit. Do not bring a rabbit to the interview either!

          8.   How long will it take you to get there? Then add an hour!

Dan Kennedy Author and the Business guru says that that you should not be late as it shows you do not respect the interviewer, the company or the job you are applying for. If you do not respect them before you have the job what are you going to be like if you get the job?

Better to be sitting in a café drinking a nice coffee around the corner, going over your notes so you do not arrive too early. Be early but not too early!  

         9.   As the bumper sticker says “Sh*t Happens.” Roads get blocked due to accidents, trains get cancelled, buses break down and cars sometimes will not start. Even to the most organised person, unforeseen things happen and as embarrassing, shameful as it is, it occurs to us all. How unprofessional and how humiliating is it, if you do not have the contact details of the Interviewer’s assistant or receptionists to call, explain and unreservedly apologies that you are going to be delayed. Have the numbers, names pick up the phone and make the call. Sh*t Happens, it is how you deal with it that makes the difference!       

         10.   It should not need to be said but it has to be: Dress to impress. Make sure your business clothing is well cleaned, pressed, shoes shined and remember to bring an umbrella if rain is forecast. This shows you have made an effort that the interview is important to you. Do not be too ostentatious, if you walk into an interview with a very expensive hand bag or a Rolex watch that costs more than a brand new car and the interview notices they may get resentful and it could cost you the job. Look good but not too good!   

 Good Luck!

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