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Simulation & Gaming:
An Interdisciplinary Journal
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From:
http://www.tiptopjob.com/tiptop/user/displaycontent/contentid/57/sectionid/15
More tips here: http://www.tiptopjob.com/displaycontent/sectionid/15/contentid/796_Jobseeker%5FResources
How To Behave At An Interview
If an employer has invited you to an Interview, it means they think you
have the skills to do the
job and
they like what they initially see in you - you have completed the first
step! At this point, you need to make sure you back up everything they
know already and highlight those skills that are most suited the role you
are going for.
Interviews are nerve-racking and can create a great deal of stress and
sleep deprivation. It is only through time and experience that the
Interview process becomes easier and less daunting so here a few pointers
to help you along.
So, how can you best prepare, what are the best ways to behave in the
interview and what can you do afterwards to learn from the experience.
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Top Tips at TipTopJob
· Thorough research and self-awareness
· Be careful not to be over-confident - you do not wantto come across as
arrogant!
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Preparation
There are several factors that are a must when it comes to preparing
for your
Interview. The more prepared you are and the more knowledge you have,
the less nervous you will be. |
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Research the company, its
position in the marketplace, its strength, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats. Know who their competition is, how big they are, what its
reputation is like, their mission and goals. Read up on the recent news
with regards to the company just in case you are asked about the company
itself.
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Prepare some of the common
interview questions that are asked, e.g. why do you want to leave your
current role and what can you bring to the company. When you are working
out your answers, try to use practical examples and relate the skills you
highlight to those they require for the job you are going for. Do not
memorise the answers as you may be asked the questions in a different way
- you need to be able to adapt your answers and tailor them to a question
that is asked in a slightly different way.
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Prepare a list (although not
too many) of questions that you wish to ask them at the end of the
Interview. This makes you look keen and interested in the company itself.
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Read through your CV and cover
letter so you are familiar with what they already know about you and what
they may ask you further questions about.
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Remember - it is a two-way
process and you are deciding if the role and company are just as suited to
what you are looking for, as you are suited to them. Try to establish if
that is the type of culture you want to work in and are their employees
the type of people you want to be around day-to-day.
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Ensure you know the date, time and location and make sure you get there
early. It is better to wait in a nearby café than to be rushing in with
you hair all over the place. Make allowance for traffic and train delays
and if you are unsure where the interview is to be held, do a practice run
to see how long it will take.
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Prepare what you will wear and
ensure you are dressed smartly and professionally to give the company a
good impression.
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At the Interview
Make sure you have turned your mobile phone off before you get to the
building - this can be a BIG mistake.
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First impressions count, so it
is important you are not rude to the receptionist and you are polite and
friendly to everyone you come into contact. Introduce yourself to the
person who greets you and state your name and whom you have come to see.
When you meet the Interviewer, give them a firm handshake and smile at all
times.
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Answer all questions after
carefully thinking about the answers - do not rush into blurting out the
answers. It is much better to pause or to confirm what they mean before
flying into an answer.
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With every answer, attempt to have practical examples so you can highlight
your skills and abilities through what you have actually done. Give
explanations to your answers.
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Do not lie as this could come
back to hit you in the face. If you get caught out, you will not be
employed,
as the company will not be able to trust you. It is also obvious to see
when someone is lying through his or her body language.
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Try to slip information you
know about the company throughout the interview to impress them.
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Never be negative
about previous employers or people you have worked with in the past, as
this will not make you look good. Try to be positive in every way.
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Do not forget to ask them your questions at the end.
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At the end, thank
them for their time and say you look forward to hearing from them. Ask
them when they think they will be making decisions and when you will be
likely to hear from them.
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After The Interview
If you were not successful, most companies will provide feedback as to
what you need to improve on. However, if not, call them up and ask them
directly as this will help you to prepare for future interviews.
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In any case, keep all your
preparation notes for next time and reflect on the Interview - good and
bad points. Try to identify any mistakes you feel you may have made and
how these could be improved upon next time.
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The best way to improve is
through practice, so use every interview as a learning curve and learn
from each and every one you attend.
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TELEPHONE INTERVIEW ADVICE
Your guide to telephone interviews - What do you do? How do you prepare
and how can you market yourself effectively?
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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED
Before attending an interview you should think about the best responses to
some typical interview questions. Your answers may depend on the job or
company in question, so you should go through your responses just before
each interview. Here are just a few typical questions and assistance in
responding to them in the best possible way....... |
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HANDLING CHALLENGING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - see below
Challenging questions allow the interviewer to see if you can act on your
feet and cope with stress. When faced with these tricky questions remember
a few important points.....
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15 REMINDERS OF WHAT NOT TO DO AT INTERVIEWS |
Challenging Interview Questions
Challenging questions allow the interviewer to see if you can act on
your feet and cope with stress. When faced with these tricky questions
remember a few important points – |
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1. Always be positive. |
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2. Before diving straight into answering a
question and proceeding to answer it incorrectly, take a brief pause
and think about what you are going to say before you answer. |
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3. If you do not understand the
question or you are unsure what they are looking for, ask them to
repeat the question. |
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4. Answer the question and only talk about
information that is relevant to the question, without deviating from
the point and waffling. |
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5. Manipulate the question to sell yourself and
focus on your
positive
skills and abilities. |
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From: http://www.tiptopjob.com/tiptop/user/displaycontent/contentid/271/sectionid/15
15 Reminders of what NOT to do in an Interview
Here at TipTopJob, we have provided you with some
important points of what you should NOT do when you have an
interview:
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Do not...
....arrive late - allow enough time for any unforeseen circumstances.
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Do not...
....make frequent use of active verbs, such as, achieved, set up, managed,
responsible for, led. Don't use bullet points to describe jobs or
achievements, prose is easier to read and you can be more descriptive.
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Do not...
....mumble; talk too fast or too softly. You must speak clearly!
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Do not...
....fidget and fiddle with items on the desk.
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Do not...
....play with your hair and clothes.
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Do not...
....use slang words, make silly jokes, or chew gum.
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Do not...
....lean on the interviewer's desk or glance at your watch.
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Do not...
....hide any aspect of your previous record, overstate qualifications,
brag, or become angry.
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Do not...
....mention any negative aspect of your current
employer,
classes, or university.
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Do not...
....show ignorance about the company - allow your research to come through
in conversation.
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Do not...
....bring up the topic of salary. It will be discussed when the time is
right.
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Do not...
....come across as being passive or indifferent, be positive and
enthusiastic.
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Do not...
....be overbearing, or conceited. Be friendly and open, but do not flirt!
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Do not...
....answer questions with another question.
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Do not...
....use negative body language, or convey inappropriate aspects of your
character.
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Do not...
....appear half-asleep, go to bed early the night before the interview and
sleep soundly knowing that you are fully prepared for the day ahead.
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