So, you have created an awesome Resume and Cover Letter and now you have an interview for the job. Job interviews can be a little unnerving, especially if it is your first job or it is a job you are passionate about. What can you do to give yourself the best chance of winning the job?
The first thing you need to do is make a great first impression on the person or people interviewing you.
The first thing you need to do is make a great first impression on the person or people interviewing you.
Firstly dress for success - think carefully about what you are wearing to a job interview. Your attire should be smart, neat and appropriate to the position you are applying for. Jeans are not appropriate even if you are applying for a job on a farm, and ripped jeans are never appropriate. What you wear to an interview shouldn’t matter, your CV and personality should be the deal breaker. However, in today’s tough employment world the first impression you make is vital. By following our top tips you will surely be on the route to nailing the look.
- Check your nails, teeth, and makeup (ladies) before your interview; you don’t want the embarrassing moment when your interviewer is focused on the lipstick or residue of your breakfast on your teeth instead of what you are actually saying.
- Don’t turn up with unkempt hair– for the ladies keeping it down means you need to have a blow-dry or, create a stylish updo that oozes elegance. For the gents – make sure you’ve had a fresh trim a few days before, or that your hair is at least clean. For both ladies and gents, make sure your hair is away from your face.
- Your clothes need to be clean, free of any animal hair and stains. Make sure your clothes are ironed or choose an outfit that doesn't require ironing.
- Keep your jewellery to a minimum. Do not wear distracting pieces that will take the attention from your personality and drive it to your bling watch!
- Avoid bold prints or clothing with large logo’s on them – simplicity is everything.
- Do try on your outfit beforehand to make sure it's right. You don’t want to find yourself panicking about what to wear on the morning of the interview; you want to be focused on the job and your experience.
- Don't wear anything uncomfortable that will make you feel self-conscious or distracted. Make sure you have worn your shoes before- the last thing you want is for you to feel nervous about the pain in your feet too.
Interview Etiquette
Job interviews can be nerve wracking experiences, but with some preparation and knowing what to do and what not to do, they can also be very rewarding.
Watch the Clickview videos on Punctuality and Presentation; Communication and Body Language; Research and Preparation; Negativity and Nerves and Being Yourself to see how first impressions, being prepared and being on time are vital to your success in an interview. Complete the worksheets with each video.
Watch the Clickview videos on Punctuality and Presentation; Communication and Body Language; Research and Preparation; Negativity and Nerves and Being Yourself to see how first impressions, being prepared and being on time are vital to your success in an interview. Complete the worksheets with each video.
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.Activity 1: Group activity - Move desks and form two circles (one inside the other) with equal numbers of students in each circle. Practice shaking hands with each person in the opposite circle. Introduce yourself, make eye contact and give a firm handshake. The teacher will give 30 seconds for each interaction until each person has interacted with those in the opposite circle.
Activity 2: Role Play activity - You have an interview for a job at the local Foodland Store - In groups of 3 or 4 practice the opening moments of your interview - One person will be the interviewee and the others will be the interview panel - Shake hands; Introduce yourselves; Make eye contact; Answer the question tell me a little about yourself and Ask at least one relevant question of the interview panel - each practice should take at least 5 minutes and each person in the group must have a turn at being the interviewee.
Activity 2: Role Play activity - You have an interview for a job at the local Foodland Store - In groups of 3 or 4 practice the opening moments of your interview - One person will be the interviewee and the others will be the interview panel - Shake hands; Introduce yourselves; Make eye contact; Answer the question tell me a little about yourself and Ask at least one relevant question of the interview panel - each practice should take at least 5 minutes and each person in the group must have a turn at being the interviewee.
When attending an interview often the interviewee (that would be you) is asked what their greatest weakness is. The most important thing to remember is to try to be positive, or put a positive spin on your answer to the question. Read the two documents here to help you to answer this question.
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When you have your Mock Interview, you will be asked 5 questions some of which you will be able to prepare for, and these are interview questions that may be asked in a real interview, however there are some questions that, by law, interviewers must never ask. See the Interview No Go Questions Document.
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