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Presenting at your interview

First impressions are critical and hard to change. Maximise your chance for success by arriving on time, dressing appropriately. Be respectful but not intimidated.

Do’s

  • Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
  • Fill out any applications and offer a copy of your CV. Greet the interviewer by name, look them in the eye and shake hands firmly. Wait until you are offered to take a seat, sit upright, look alert and interested.
  • Listen and smile.
    Look the interviewer in the eye.
  • Ask about the role early in the interview so you can relate your experience to the position.
  • Be factual and sincere.
  • Sell yourself.
  • Keep your options open, never close the door on opportunity.

Dont's

  • Answer "yes" or "no, always use the opportunity to provide examples of your experience which relate to the role.
  • Lie or elaborate the truth.
  • Make disparaging remarks about previous employers.
  • "Over-answer" - keep to the point.
  • Ask about salary, holidays, bonuses unless the interviewer raises the issue (know your market value).
  • Smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette

Closing and after your interview

Be confident but be yourself. People employ people. If you are interested in the position, ask for it. Or if you are offered the role and you want to think it over, be polite and name a specific date when you can provide an answer. If you are not offered the role, don't be discouraged.

The interviewer may need to speak with colleagues and/or interview other applicants before a decision is made. Smile and thank the interviewer for their time. You've done everything you can to secure the postion!

When you leave, write down a short summary of the interview, make note of the areas you think went well and questions you found hard to answer. This will help prepare for second interviews, or interviews for other roles. Call the recruitment consultant and provide your feedback.

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Phone: (07) 3221 2177 or email: info@executivepeople.com.au