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The interview is about one thing - selling you! Convincing the employer that you are the person for the job! Throughout the interview, the interviewer will be accessing your strengths, weaknesses, skills, qualifications, your attitude, motivation and commitment levels and cultural fit. So it’s important to put your best foot forward and be well prepared!

How to prepare

-Study the information that is on your curriculum vitae. You will be asked to walk through your employment history and to describe key achievements within your recent roles and how you added value to each position. Keeping a copy on hand is beneficial especially if you are nervous or under pressure!

-Study the position description of the role you've applied for. Particularly look at the key competencies the interviewer is ideally seeking and write a list of how you have demonstrated these key traits in your most recent roles. Interviewers will most commonly use the core competencies from the position description for behavioral interviewing.

-Research the company. Do your research on the organisation; what market share they represent and who the key competitors are within the market. Look at what their financial standing is and what the company’s goals, values and mission statement are. Researching the company beforehand will boost your credibility with the interviewer.

-Dress to impress! Make sure you are well presented in the correct attire (traditionally a suit) with good hygiene. Upon meeting the recruiter, look them in the eye and give a strong hand shake. A smile is always important and remember to be positive and act confident!

-Know the time, date and place of the interview. Know exactly where the interview is located and triple check the time! If you’re running 5 minutes late, always call the interviewer to let them know. Moreover, arrive at least 15 minutes early and make sure you have your required documentation with you. Traditionally this involves your passport, drivers license and transcripts from University.

-Be prepared with a list of questions. You are just as much interviewing the employer as they are interviewing you! Ask questions based on whether this is a newly created role; the reason why this role is being recruited - was the previous incumbent promoted or headhunted? How will the success of the role be measured; what training and development opportunities are offered; where they see this role heading within two years; what is the company’s values and mission statement.

Coming prepared with a list of questions demonstrates that you are interested in this position and you have taken the time to think of suitable questions regarding the role and the company.

-Thank the interviewer for their time. At the close of the interview, always thank the interviewer for their time and ask when you can expect to hear from them. Ask what the next stage of the process is and how long the recruitment process is expected to take.

Remember if you don’t get selected for the next stage of the recruitment process, stay positive! Don’t take the feedback personally or respond defensively. Ask for constructive feedback and ask to remain on their ‘books’ if something suitable becomes available in the near future.