Some General Job Interview Tips

• • Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.
• • Wear suitable interview clothes.
• • Take copies of your CV with you.
• • Arrive on time for your job interview.
• • Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your Cv and Cover Letter.
• • Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.
• • Have a good firm handshake.
• • Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.
• • Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• • Stress your achievements.
• • Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humor.
• • Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.



• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.
• Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.
• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.

Your answer to the initial opening statements in the job interview are important, these are called "ice breakers".

Some times the interviewer will ask whether you had difficulty finding the company premises. Your answer should be brief and polite. The interviewer is merely being polite - if you had problems in finding the premises he/she doesn't need to know that.

Use replies such as

• I'm fine thank you, and you?
• I'm very well, thank you.

These replies express a careless attitude

• So, so
• OK
• Not so well

Practice

Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.

Prepare

Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.

Get Ready

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.

Be On time

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Stay Calm

During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!

Show What Your Know

Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.

 Follow up 

Follow up with a call or e-mail a few days after your interview. 

View a sample follow up e-mail here 

- CareerJamaica.com