10 tips to help you perform at your interview
If you’ve been invited to an interview with GSF you’ve already impressed us with your application but don’t let all the good work you’ve done go to waste. You want the job and the interview is your chance to sell yourself to us, so remember the three Ps:
Prepare in advance:
Company knowledge
We need to feel that you have a genuine desire to work for GSF and that you’ll be a committed member of our team. That’s why it’s essential to demonstrate you understand a bit about us, our history, what we do and our culture.
You don’t need to remember tons of information - a few facts and figures are enough to show you’ve done your homework.
Related skills and training
Your CV will contain the highlights of your education and career history but there may be other points you want to get across to us. Before coming to the interview, make a list of the skills you’ve acquired over the years, whether through formal training or self-development. These could include proficiency in different software programmes, or training you’ve completed in your current or previous organisation.
Having this list handy will allow you to easily demonstrate competency in a particular area, such as the ability to learn new systems and processes.
Measurable examples of success
You need to make sure you stand out from the competition. When discussing your abilities and experience, try to discuss situations where you used these qualities to positive effect. For example, if you pride yourself on your people skills then you may want to talk about a time when you led a team, helped a colleague or were commended for your excellent customer service.
Positive attitude and flexibility
From time to time you will be expected to go above and beyond the call of duty, or do something that doesn’t technically fit within your remit, in order to get the job done. This is all part of the natural ebb and flow of working life and not something to be shirked.
GSF needs people we can rely on, so if you can demonstrate a willingness to be flexible and stretch yourself, you’re more likely to get the job than someone with rigid expectations or working habits.
Here are 10 tips for interview success.
- 1. First impressions count
Dress smartly, arrive early and switch your phone off! Greet your interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Make eye contact. The first 30 seconds are when the interviewer subconsciously makes decisions about whether they like you or not and whether you will fit into the team. - 2. Be prepared
Prepare thoroughly and re-read your CV and the job details just before the interview. - 3. Don't waffle
Answer questions properly - even if you need a few moments' silence to collect your thoughts. - 4. Why should we hire you?
Most job ads will list qualities we're looking for - a team worker, a good communicator - so it's up to you to think of examples of how you can demonstrate these skills. Be ready to talk about your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. Have at least three strong points about yourself that you can relate to the job on offer. - 5. Be positive
Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you. We like to employ people who enjoy a challenge and are enthusiastic. - 6. Remember your body language
It is not always what you say, but how you say it. During the interview, don’t fold your arms and lean back or look to the floor! Sit upright and try to maintain good eye contact. Use your hands and lean forward when making a point. - 7. Expect the unexpected
Your interviewer may try to catch you off guard: It’s impossible to plan for every difficult question, but try to appear relaxed and in control. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if necessary but do not evade it. - 8. Develop rapport
Show energy, a sense of humour and smile - It's infectious, being positive and enthusiastic. Be prepared to ask your interviewer questions about their role and any challenges the business is facing. - 9. Clarify anything you are unsure of
If you are not certain what’s meant by a particular question, ask! At the end, ask the interviewer if there is anything else he or she needs to know about you. Don’t be afraid to ask when you are likely to hear if you have been successful or not. - 10. Remember your manners
Be polite to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to your potential boss. Smile and show that you would be a friendly and valuable member of the team. When it comes to making a final decision between two equally qualified candidates, the one who comes across as most personable is bound to get the job!