Utilise the May Careers Week and the Graduate Recruitment Programme to talk with companies. Attend a mock interview whenever possible - it will help to make you feel more comfortable in the actual interview. You could also use friends to conduct a trial or mock interview.
Preparing yourself on some key interview questions may not directly result in a job offer, but it will help in clarifying ideas about your career goals and show the employer that you have given thought to your career.
Find out about the company and job you are applying for - Research the company. Obtain a copy of the job description, annual reports and any publication available to the public. Secretaries and receptionists are helpful in this regard. Knowledge of recent news articles on the organisation will show pro-active interest.
Acquire knowledge about the economic sector that the company participates in as well as the some insight into the activities of the company s competitors.
Observe the dress code of the company you are applying to - it may seem trivial, but employers have indicated that it does influence the selection process. Your research into the company should give you an indication of what is required. If your are in any doubt wear formal, but not necessarily trendy clothes.
Do...
Be neatly dressed.
Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
Maintain good posture during the interview.
Wait for the interviewer to invite you to sit down.
Articulate yourself clearly.
Allow the interviewer to take the lead.
Respond to the interviewer with full answers but be careful not to babble.
Ensure that you know the location for the interview before hand and ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Ask about the post, reporting structures and the nature of the job.
Maintain enthusiasm and interest.
End the interview by thanking the interviewer for the interview and try to establish when you can expect a response.
Bear in mind that the interview is merely another form of interaction between people - try to enjoy it.
Don t...
Arrive late for the interview.
Get angry. Provocative questions may be posed to establish your ability to deal with stressful situations.
Smoke or chew gum.
Give one word responses, e.g. "yes" or "no".
Focus on the salary. Discuss this at a later stage if the company shows interest in employing you.
Always bear in mind that career development is a process. Your preparation for the job search should ideally start in your first year at university.
