pre INTERVIEW

If you want the job remember the 5 P's - Poor Planning Produces Poor Performance. Think about what you are doing and take steps to ensure as far as possible that the interview is a success. Be informed.

• Find out as much about the company as possible. If they have a brochure, call and ask for one, and if it is a PLC as for the last annual report and don’t forget to check and see if they have a website, always a good source of information.
  
  
• Prepare a suitable list of questions about the company’s operation, future plans and strategies, products and services, the internal structure of the company and who you – its probably a good thing not to ask about lunch hours or holidays!
  
  
• Prepare answers for the sort of questions commonly asked of you, e.g.
  What skills do you bring to the company?
  What do you know of the company and its market place?
  What are your ambitions – where do you see yourself in three years time?
  What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  Remember everyone has weaknesses and recognition of these will show a prospective employer that you are self-analytical.
  
  
• Check the location of the interview and see how long it will take to get there, always leaving plenty of time for unseen eventualities, traffic jams etc.
  
• Check the name and status of the person or persons interviewing you.
  
• Look your best in a professional way - you are not going on a night out. Wear a suit, be clean and well-groomed and remember to clean your shoes. Don't wear any unnecessary jewellery - flashy is definately out.