The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived, and the resume you submitted last week, caught the attention of a potential employer! As the excitement begins to wear off, you feel a sinking feeling in your gut, and the nerves begin to kick in. You start to wonder, what on Earth are you going to say and do at the time of your interview. Well, thankfully Centre for Skills has got you covered!
From interview tip sheets, to in-person practice sessions in the form of a mock interview, your Employment Specialist will guide you through the process and help you prepare for the big day! There are however, some strategies and work that you will need to do on your own, such as researching the company or organization beforehand, and preparing a couple of answers for the questions that your Employment Specialist will ask you, in advance.
In most situations, the company will have a well-structured website, with several tabs allowing you to learn more about their vision, goals, and values, as well as the type of services that they provide. You should also pay close attention to their hours of operation, and ensure that your availability matches their opening and closing times.
Performing well in an interview however, is much more than the knowledge that you bring to the table. You need to make sure, that the way you present yourself in terms of punctuality and appearance is also up to par. It is important that you arrive 10-15 minutes early, and that you are well-groomed and dressed in the appropriate attire. In addition, your eye contact and body language are also behaviours to be mindful of, as non-verbal cues can alter the employer’s perception of you as well.
At the end of an interview, the employer or interviewer will often ask you if you have any questions for them, in return. It is important that you have a formulated response, as this shows that you were engaged and paying attention during the session. When all is said and done, you may thank the interviewer for their time, and proceed to exit the building.
It is important to remember, that regardless of the outcome of an interview, the fact that you did one, is a step in the right direction, and provides you with excellent experience and knowledge in moving forward!
Best of luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour!
If you need assistance preparing for the job interview please to reach out to our Employment Specialists. Our services are free!