Employment
Types of interviews Job interviews don’t follow rules — you may find yourself drinking coffee and having a cosy chat with a friendly interviewer or you could end up being interrogated by five stony-faced executives in suits. So you should prepare for almost anything! An interview can be relaxed and casual and can seem like more of a chat, but remember, no matter how relaxed it is, you are still being observed. Or it can be a formal meeting where you are expected to be on your best behaviour at all times. A panel might interview you, ranging from two up to four or five people. You might also have a number of interviews with different people. Remember, if you have a few different people interviewing you, they’ll talk to each other afterwards so be consistent with the information you give them. The interviewer might take notes, but try not to let this put you off. Some interview processes include tests before or during the interview. This could be anything from a personality test to language or computer skills. Its purpose is to help the interviewer find out more about your skills and abilities. You might take part in group activities or role-play situations that could test your ability to work in a team or your sales or leadership skills. Remember to listen, to express your opinion and to motivate others without trying to take control. Sometimes employers offer to show you around the company or to introduce you to other people working there. This is an ideal opportunity to ask lots of questions about working there and about the job you are applying for. “Keep applying. After a hundred applications, several interviews, and even more PFOs, it is very easy to just give up or even go on a pause. You shouldn’t. Always keep at it. The perfect job (or at least one that pays) could come (and go), on any given day. You don’t have to be hunched over job sites constantly, but definitely try and aim to send in one application a day. Remember that applying for a job involves skill, and that the more you do it, the better you get at it.” – John 122