Interview Advice
Preparation
- Research the company
- Understand the job specification thoroughly, including salary details
- Make sure you know where the company is located and who is going to interview you
- DO NOT be late – leave yourself enough time to locate the correct office
- Decide on an appropriate dress code
- Make sure you are 100% familiar with your CV –it is always a good idea to take a copy with you unless otherwise told
- Take a pen and paper to make notes
- Prepare a list of questions relating to company, job itself, career prospects,training, how long company has been established, whether company has any competitors – the more original the better
What to Expect
- The first few minutes of the interview is vital; - smile, eye contact and strong handshake is always the best introduction
- Posture – don’t slouch
- Don’t forget this is a time to sell yourself – be positive, informative and confident
- Be prepared for a formal interview with maybe more than one person – maintain eye contact with all interviewers and remember to look interested, acknowledging all of them
- Be prepared – they may ask you what you know about their company and the position for which you are applying for – the better prepared you are – the more impressive
- You should be ready to discuss your work history and remember to relate your experience to the position you are applying for
- Give full answers – not just yes and no, giving as much relevant information as possible – but don’t waffle
- Be prepared to give scenario type examples e.g. most stressful situation and how you dealt with it – remember these are opportunities to sell yourself
- Emphasise your key skills and qualities – you may even be asked about weakness but remember to turn that weakness into a positive e.g. a perfectionist may be slower but will always be accurate
- A popular question is “Where do you see yourself in X years’ time?” Try not to be overly ambitious when answering this question – any secret desires to be a zookeeper should be kept hidden at this stage!
- Always leave on a good note – thank them for their time and let them know how interested and suited you are for the position
- and remember - ENTHUSIASM CAN BE THE DECIDING FACTOR!
