Interview Tips for Success
Interview Tips
MEN – White, pale blue or dark blue shirt with a ‘’quiet’’ tie – not red. Suit must be navy, black, charcoal or grey – not khaki or brown. No over-gelled, spiky hair styles.
WOMAN – No plunging necklines, mini-skirts, tight, clingy tops or hipster pants with G-strings sticking out.
No overdone make-up or wildly coloured and teased hair.
No chipped or brightly coloured nail polish and lipstick.
Not much heavy ‘’over the top’’ jewellery as it is distracting.
Typical interview questions
The majority of the questions you will be asked will be of a situational nature
Try and stick to work and study related answers.
Always arrive 15 minutes earlier than your appointment time.
‘’If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you’’
- Except taken from www.interview4success.co.za - Colleen Shedden (083 408 6505)
- Leave sunglasses, cellular phones, religion, politics, personal baggage, computer bags and clumsy, heavy handbags/briefcases, in your car.
- In a slim file, take copies of your ID document, driver’s license, matric certificate, degree/ diploma, 2 ID photos and your last salary slip.
- Do not be disruptive in reception by asking for water, toilets, magazines etc.
- Fill all forms in neatly and completely. Check your spelling.
- Always wear a suit, make sure your shoes are clean, no excessive jewellery and if you are not married do not wear a ring on the ring finger of your left or right hand. REMOVE all eye rings, nose rings etc.
- NO perfume or aftershave lotion.
MEN – White, pale blue or dark blue shirt with a ‘’quiet’’ tie – not red. Suit must be navy, black, charcoal or grey – not khaki or brown. No over-gelled, spiky hair styles.
WOMAN – No plunging necklines, mini-skirts, tight, clingy tops or hipster pants with G-strings sticking out.
No overdone make-up or wildly coloured and teased hair.
No chipped or brightly coloured nail polish and lipstick.
Not much heavy ‘’over the top’’ jewellery as it is distracting.
- Make sure your car is clean inside and out.
- Do not chew gum.
- Do not use bad language.
- Do not smoke before or during the interview even if the interviewer is a smoker and offers you a cigarette.
- Do not lean on the desk, slouch or spread yourself out across the chairs.
- Do extensive research on the company.
- Know why you want the position and why you want to work for that particular company.
- Companies look for attitude, enthusiasm, overall presentation, job skills and your ability to communicate why you are the best person for the position.
- Know your strengths and where they can benefit the position you are applying for.
- Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Your body language, eye contact and tone of voice will demonstrate this.
- Do not be ‘’cocky’’, arrogant or ‘’know it all’’.
- Always be honest – do not lie about your education or work history.
Typical interview questions
The majority of the questions you will be asked will be of a situational nature
- Tell me about yourself.
- What do you know about our company?
- What did/ did you not enjoy about your previous position?
- What do you think this position involves and what research have you done on this company?
- What motivates you?
- Tell me about your values.
- What have you done to change/ improve the smooth running of your department/ division in your current position.
- What has been your worst experience/ greatest achievement to date and why?
- Give me an example of when you have had to resolve conflict with your customers or peers.
- Give me an example of the type of pressures you are currently experiencing in your job and what you are doing to resolve them.
- Do you enjoy change and challenge – give example.
- Do you prefer working in a team or independently?
- Tell me about the goals that you have set for yourself.
- Realistically, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
- Give me a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Do you want to study further?
- What steps have you taken to improve your knowledge areas?
- Why should we offer you this position/ what can you do for this company?
- What package do you expect?
Try and stick to work and study related answers.
Always arrive 15 minutes earlier than your appointment time.
‘’If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you’’
- Except taken from www.interview4success.co.za - Colleen Shedden (083 408 6505)
