Interview Tips
Looking for a new job can be a frustrating experience and it is important to be prepared and ready for the interview. To help relieve the stress of job-hunting; Gemini's tips will help ease the interview process.
Obtain Detailed Company Information
It is important that you have the full company name, complete address, telephone number, web site address (for information) and the name of the interviewer or the contact person in the company. Check out the location of the company and how you will travel to the area. If you are not certain of the exact address, check with your Gemini Consultant to prevent wasting unnecessary time in locating the company.
Change In Appointment Schedule
If for unforeseen circumstances you are unable to make your interview appointment please call your Gemini Consultant to re-schedule. If your Consultant is unavailable, it is polite to call the contact person in the company to apologise and re-schedule the interview. Make sure you keep your Consultant informed so that he/she can follow up accordingly.
Be Punctual
Always arrive on time, even if you are at your destination ahead of schedule, linger rather than arrive too early. Never arrive late, as it gives a poor first impression if your interviewer is waiting for you. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to compose yourself and ensures you are mentally ready for the interview.
Dress Code
First impressions are gained from appearance and grooming. It is important to be dressed neatly and professionally. Always wear clean, well ironed light clothes suitable for day wear. Avoid wearing jeans and casual wear. When attending interviews for secretarial positions, dress in a suit, and avoid bright colours especially red. Spend time in coordinating the outfit with the appropriate accessories so that you are confident that you look your best. Make-up for women should be light. Ensure your hair looks neat and tidy. Your nails should be clean and manicured. Gentlemen should wear a suit and a tie. Corporate dressing helps boost confidence.
Switch Off Pagers & Mobile Phones
There is nothing more irritating than having the beeper go off during a serious conversation; it impresses no one. Always make sure that you have switched off your pager and mobile phone before you go in for the interview.
Presentation of CV and Certificates
Always carry your updated resume, original certificates and reference letters with you. These should be presented to your interviewer upon request. Store your documents in a clear folder for easy reference.
Be Positive At The Interview
As you should already have some information about the company and the vacancy, think about the questions you are likely to be asked and about the answers you will give. It is important to work out the information your prospective new employer is looking for. Always be positive if you are asked a question which is unexpected. Listen carefully to the description of the job duties and the introduction of the company. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you are unclear or require additional information regarding the company and the position.
Smile & Maintain Eye Contact
Your body language can tell the interviewer more about you, it is important to be relaxed and not tense, and to smile and answer questions confidently. Always look at the eyes of the interviewer when answering or listening to any questions. Be positive, keeping your answers evenly paced and clear, using your body language to supplement this. Being enthusiastic and interested and not allowing yourself to get flustered may give you the edge at a successful interview.
Reasons For Seeking A New Job
Be prepared to answer the interviewer truthfully. Why do you want to leave your current position? It is advisable to give the question some serious thought before attending the interview. Your answer will give the client a great deal of information about your personal motivation, your career and work goals. Try to avoid stock phrases like "Change of Environment". A prospective employer may feel that you have not given much thought to changing jobs and that you might be unwilling to commit yourself seriously to any new job.
If you genuinely wish to broaden your horizons explain how and why your present or last company could not help you in this respect. If the reason for changing jobs is a personality clash, be careful in choosing the words to describe the action of other people. Using derogatory language about people you work with makes it easy for the interviewer to draw negative conclusions about your interpersonal skills.
You will also benefit if you can understand what would help you to work productively and happily so that you are able to judge whether you would be better off joining a new company.
Ask Questions
After answering the interviewers questions relating to your education and past experience and general interests, ask any questions which might not have been fully explained relating to the work or the future prospects within the organisation. Show an interest in the organisation and work. Asking sensible questions indicates to the interviewer that you are serious in your job search.
Second Interviews
At the close of the interview the interviewer will indicate to you if there will be a second interview or if they will contact the agency. Thank the interviewer for his time and check when the second interview is likely to be. Who would be the person you would be meeting the next time? Make a note of the name and the likely date so that you do not forget. Remember to inform your Gemini Consultant.
Offer Of A Job At The Close Of The Interview
At the close of a successful interview you might be offered the position and asked if you would like to accept it. If you are certain that you like the job, then go ahead and indicate that you want to accept it subject to a written contract. If you are unsure, ask for more time to consider the position and give a specific time that you will inform them of your intentions.
Salary Package
Be sure you understand the salary package clearly and all other benefits offered. Ask about probation period and working hours if these have not already been explained. If you feel that the salary package is too low there may be room to negotiate. Think, however, about long term prospects.
Decline The Job Offer If It Is Not What You Want
If at the end of the interview you find that you have no interest in the job and it is not what you are looking for, thank the interviewer for the opportunity and politely decline the offer.
Always Call Back Your Consultant After The Interview
After the interview always contact your Gemini Consultant to let him/her know how the interview went, whether you are interested or not, or if you would like more time to consider the position. Your Gemini Consultant will be able to guide you, either to arrange a second interview, or to try other suitable jobs for you.
Contact Your Consultant If You Get Employed
Always call your Gemini Consultant to close your file. Tell your Consultant the starting date and the salary package. If you have found a job through the newspaper or through another agency please call Gemini to inform us of your situation.
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