Telephone interview

• Research – Prior to the phone call, research their website at length.
• Why are you interviewing? – Know the reason why you would like to work at the company.
• Laundry List – Have a list of accomplishments and pertinent skills in front of you and know why you are a fit for the job. If you cannot articulate this, you may not get to the face-to-face interview.
• Privacy Please – Schedule the interview at a time and number where you can be alone and talk freely. Landlines are better than mobile phones whenever possible.
• Resume at the Ready – Be sure to have your resume in front of you so you can follow along with your background as they ask you questions.
• Be Honest – Answer questions as directly as possible. If you do not know, say so. Be candid, friendly, cheerful and courteous. Confident but not cocky. If you sense that the other person wants to do lots of talking – let them. People like others who are interested in hearing them talk!
• Next Step? — At the end of the interview, try to get a face-to-face interview. Ask what the next step is before hanging up the call.
• Address Weaknesses – If you can, find out from the interviewer what they feel your strong points and weaknesses may be. This way, in the face to face interview you can reemphasize the strong points and address any perceived weaknesses.

Face-to-face interview

• Be Prepared -Prior to your visit, educate yourself about the company – go through their website and write down several questions that come to mind. Be interested: Ask questions, have a list prepared but don’t talk about salary or remuneration. Look them up on Google. Know the reason why you’d like to work at the company. People notice when you have knowledge of their company and/or products. You should also prepare some questions that you would like to ask of the employer at the end of the interview. These should be questions that demonstrate that you have really thought seriously about the opportunity.
• Punctuality – -Make sure you are clear about the location of your interview. Nothing says, “I’m not prepared” like getting lost on the way to an interview. You should also have the name and contact details of the person you are meeting so that if there are any unavoidable problems or delays you can call ahead rather than just arriving late. Arriving 20 minutes early is a way to ensure you will not be late.
• Practice – Practice your interview skills – that means answering the interview questions out loud to yourself as if you were in the interview. Running through your answers a few times builds confidence and assures yourself you will come across as articulate, efficient and prepared.
• 5 Resume Copies -Take at least 5 copies of your resume – you’ll be prepared if they do not have copies.
• Take Notes – Have a pen and paper handy for note-taking.
• Confidence -Firm handshake upon arrival and positive attitude throughout. Know the interviewer’s correct title and the pronunciation of their name.
• Be enthusiastic and friendly. Listen more than you talk (no single factor is more important in determining success in an interview).
• Eye Contact -Look people in the eye when talking or listening to them.
• Just Listen -No single thing you can do will affect the interview more than just being a good listener. Listen to the questions asked of you. Answer them fully and directly. Do not talk too much. Never oversell your skillset.
• Salary –When being interviewed for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If you’re asked what your salary requirements are; say that they are open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer you’d like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary.
• Nothing Negative – – Do not criticize or come across as negative about your present or past employers or co-workers. Stay professional and avoid personal information unless it’s a “polite” conversation.
• After Interview -Immediately after the interview calls the relevant consultant to discuss how you feel it went, what you did well, what you wish you had done differently and how interested you are in the role. This is a chance for the consultant to provide extra feedback to the client to further establish your suitability for the role. Write a follow-up letter or email, regardless of how you feel it went. It is an opportunity to thank the interviewer for their time, recap on salient points, add points not covered, and express your level of interest and leave a good final impression