JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 50

I N T E RV I E W S

Don't be afraid to be yourself.
Remember, people do business
with people, not skill sets

Karren's
interview
dos and
don'ts

IMAGES GETTY IMAGES

Do

Be at your best

Talk about what you know

Don't be afraid to be yourself. Remember,
people do business with people, not skill
sets! Even if you have the skills to do a
job, you need to have the personality
too. Go with the mindset that this is
your opportunity to sell yourself. Try not
to be nervous; talking about yourself
should be your specialist subject!
An interview isn't an opportunity to trip
someone up. It's a chance for a prospective
employer to listen to who someone is, how
they'll fit in and what they are good at.
Business owners want the best possible
people working for them. If you explain
with confidence what you do and how
you'll fit in, very often you'll win the job.
Dress for the environment you're going
into. If it's a job at a bank, avoid flip-flops.
And if it's a creative agency, don't wear a
corporate suit. Whether you're dressing
up or down, you should look smart, clean
and presentable. Avoid too much make-up
or jewellery - aim for simple elegance.

If you don't know the answer to a question,
try to turn it around. Use it as a chance
to talk about something you do know
about and say, "I don't know the answer
to that, but what I do know is x..."
An interview to be a volunteer or a
trustee is slightly different. The cause
is very important and the role is often
unpaid, so it's crucial to convey your
passion and interest for the organisation.
Also, research what police checks or
documents you might need; see if you
can organise them yourself, which might
make it easier for them to say yes.

5 0 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S

Prepare for the most
common questions
before you get to
the interview

* Take copies of your CV
and examples of your
work (if appropriate)
* Smile! Even if you're
nervous, it creates a
positive impression
* Prepare for the most
common questions
before you get there
* Have good questions
prepared for the end
of the interview
* Make notes during the
interview, as it creates
the impression you are
paying full attention
* End on a positive note
- even if it's saying "It
was nice meeting you"

Don't

* Be late
* Fidget
* Ramble
* Ask about holidays
and time off
* Swear or be rude



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/jcspring2018
https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/JobsandCareersAutumn2017
https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/YourBusinessWithJamesCaan2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/Careers/Careers_with_Hayley_Taylor_2011
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com