Like ninety-nine per cent of the population, I really don’t enjoy job interviews. However, after spending the entire month of January in and out of job interviews (18 to be exact with 10 different companies) in search of a secure position here in Dubai, I can confidently say it’s a piece of cake.
So, here are ten tips on tackling a job interview that’ll leave your interviewer begging for you to join their team.
1. Shave
Always, I mean always, attend an interview clean-shaven, it’s rule number one in everyone’s books. If you’re lazy like myself, pay your local barber a quick visit the morning of your interview.
2.Trim your fingernails
Quickly trim your fingernails before you head out. Having dirt and scum trapped between your fingernails has to be one of the most disgusting and unhygienic things ever.
3. Hands on the table
Always have your hands placed on the table, shoulders up right and chest out. You’re at an interview, so never slouch. Also, when explaining something, don’t be scared to wave your hands around and make a few hand gestures to get your message across.
4. Polish, iron and dry clean
Polish them shoes, iron that shirt and have that suit dry-cleaned beforehand. A first impression always lasts. You don’t want to be rocking up to your interview with champagne stains all over the suit you wore to that crazy wog wedding last weekend, or a shirt as wrinkled as my 92 year old grandma.
5. Be on time
Always arrive twenty to thirty minutes before your interview time. Give yourself enough time to park, adjust your tie & blazer and acknowledge the exact location of where your interview will be held. If you’re very early and want to buy some time, do some quick research on the company to refresh your memory. Finally, notify the receptionist of your presence five to seven minutes before you’re set to go.
6. Know your sh*t
Study the company you are being interviewed by…study them well. The last thing you want is to embarrass yourself when the interviewer asks you what the company’s motto is and you begin to stutter like that little kid in Billy Maddison.
7. Ask questions
“So, do you have any questions for us John Citizen?” Your answer should always be YES! Show a little enthusiasm and ask a couple of questions. I always ask questions like “Are there many opportunities for professional development within the company?” or “How would you describe the general culture of the workplace?” or even “Why did you choose this company?”
8. Don’t be greedy
If you ever ask the question “how much will I get paid?” you deserved to be kicked in the backside. Never mention salary packages unless the interviewer asks what your salary expectations are. Then, and only then, are you given the all clear to converse about money in an interview.
9. Crack a joke
Try and create a cool and relaxed atmosphere with a little joke at the beginning of the interview. If you can manage to make your interviewer giggle or crack a smile, it’ll calm you down and give you a clear indication as to whether or not your interviewer is laid back or not.
10. Follow up
Don’t be cocky and expect them to email or contact you first. Send an email thanking them for their time and that it was a great pleasure to meet them in person. End the email with something like “Look forward to hearing back from you”. Oh and always begin the email with “Hi”, “Hello” or “Dear”, not hey or g’day, and end it with “Thanks and regards”.
Good luck gents, you got this!
–
E.
