Job interviews are nerve-racking—even for those
who have actually chosen to find a new job. Applying for
a position and going to job interviews are very stressful
activities—especially if you have lost your previous
job. Fear of rejection and financial worry can be emotionally
paralysing.
If you are looking for another job because you are not
happy where you are at present, or because you want to
move your career forward, it is vital that you keep that
information to yourself and only tell your colleagues
about your new job once you have resigned.
If you have been made redundant, or have lost your job
in some other way, you may find that remaining totally
professional is extremely challenging. But it is of the
utmost importance that you behave well so that you are
given as good a reference as possible, and can keep your
professional image untarnished. Anger, shame and bitterness
can have a dramatic effect on your sensibility, so remain
calm and in control at all times and do nothing except
be polite. If necessary you can hire the services of a
labour attorney to deal with the legal side—as long
as your conduct was beyond reproach.
Your curriculum
vitae (CV)
If you don’t know how to write a very good CV
you should have it done by a professional, or at least
by someone who knows how to do it in a professional way.
Your CV is a reflection of yourself, and it is very important
to make a good first impression through your written résumé.
Remember:
Never speak ill of any organisation you have worked for
in the past or anyone you reported to—especially
not in writing! Not only would your image be damaged if
they found out, but your interviewer (or the reader of
the document) would also think less of you.
All information on your CV should be reliable, in other
words, true and correct. Do not be tempted to lie about
anything—this could destroy all your chances of
finding (or keeping) a good job. If an employer ever finds
out that you lied about something on your CV you could
be fired on the spot—even years after you were originally
employed, and even if you have become a star performer.
Ask a few upstanding members of society, and people in
top management of the organisations you have worked for,
to write testimonials for you. Even if they have not been
requested, written testimonials are better than simply
supplying telephone numbers, because the potential employer
will at least glance at them, and if they are good, you
are far more likely to get an interview. Another reason
is that your referees might leave their jobs, or their
phone numbers might change, and then their reference of
you could be lost forever.
Before
your job interview
Do as much research on the potential employer as you
can, so that you can make sense of what is said during
the interview. It also puts you in a stronger position
to ask good, relevant questions. If you don’t do
any research on the organisation you will be seen as being
uninterested and your interview may be unsuccessful. Remember
you have to be able to answer the critical question of
why you would like to work for that organisation.
You should dress in either formal (dark suit and tie for
men) or semi-formal business attire. Semi-formal means
that men wear a business suit and (conservative) tie—no
patterns or loud colours. Women should also wear a business
suit. Women should note that only closed-toe shoes should
be worn with semi-formal attire. What you wear will depend
on the industry and the level of the job you have applied
for. If it is a management position, you should make every
effort to wear a suit. If it is not a management (or higher)
position and if you don’t have a business suit,
you may wear business casual, but men should wear a tie.
Make sure that your shoes are clean and that they go with
your outfit. (See also the tips on grooming elsewhere
in this book.)
Never ever be late for a job interview. If you don’t
know exactly where the organisation is, make a special
trip beforehand so that you don’t get lost on the
day of the interview. Leave plenty of time in case of
possible transport (or other) mishaps on the way to the
interview.
Your CV and certified copies of certificates and all other
relevant documents should be in a clean envelope, addressed
to the person who is about to interview you. If you are
going to be interviewed by more than one person, be sure
to have enough copies with you.
Make sure that you have a pen with you because you may
be expected to fill out forms.
The interview
Do not smoke just before the interview because you will
smell unpleasant to those who do not smoke.
Do not chew gum!
Your cell phone must be switched off and not visible.
Do not take a seat until you are invited to.
Shake hands with the interviewer and introduce yourself—even
though they may already have read your name on the forms
you filled in. Remain calm and remember to be natural.
Make a point of remembering the interviewer’s name.
Ask permission to use their first name. Use it often during
the interview.
Do not complain about waiting if the interviewer is late.
Instead, smile and be polite.
Be polite and friendly to everyone, but be careful not
to talk too much if you are nervous.
Watch your body language. Make an effort to relax but
display good posture at the same time. (See tips on positive
body language elsewhere in this book.)
Tell the truth about everything about yourself when asked.
Do not refuse to take any tests you may be asked to. The
results may add to your value as an employee.
Do not interrupt anyone. Listen very carefully to each
question and give thoughtful, to-the-point answers. Ask
for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
Don't be shy and do not put yourself down. Be enthusiastic
and confident.
Do not bad-mouth anyone and be positive about your situation.
It is a sign of maturity and will be viewed in a very
good light.
Don’t make any demands about the position, salary
package or working conditions—though you may of
course make enquiries about them.
Thank the interviewer or interviewers politely and make
eye-contact when shaking hands to say goodbye.
If your interview is with an employment agency, the consultant
may discuss the possibility of an interview with a prospective
employer. Don’t try to force the consultant to tell
you the name of the potential employer or the organisation
involved, because employment agencies normally have a
policy of not revealing such information before they have
set up a firm appointment.
After the
interview
Make notes immediately after the interview so that you
don’t forget critical information.
If you were asked to supply further documentation or additional
information, do so as soon as possible.
If the interview was arranged by an employment agency,
phone the agency consultant to give them feedback.
Send a short, well-written e-mail of thanks to the interviewer.
Reiterate your interest in the position. (See e-etiquette
elsewhere in this book.)
Waiting to hear outcome of an interview is probably one
of the most difficult times for anyone. Don’t be
tempted to bombard the consultant or interviewer with
phone calls or e-mails requesting results. You must just
wait—however impatiently—for the e-mail or
telephone call, unless you were asked to phone back on
a certain day.
If your interview was unsuccessful, accept this with grace.
Thank the (main) interviewer in writing for their time
and effort, and let them know that you would be interested
in another interview should another or similar position
become vacant in their organisation. Do not under any
circumstances question their decision or display frustration
or anger toward them. Be patient. Your ideal job is out
there!
By Elsabé Manning
