P692 Teletext 6y2 Jul18 23:14:02 U UU —————————————————————————————— COPING WITH INTERVIEWS Most people feel nervous before an interview. This is very natural, so preparing for an interview is important to boost your confidence. To start with, you may have been shortlisted from scores of applicants, so you are doing well to have got this far. Confidence about yourself and your abilities will come across at an interview. But so will a brash overconfidence — so take care. ——————————————————————————————————1/7—— Write to Mike for careers info >>> TELETEXT INDEX p101 CVs Work Kids RacingSMSP692 Teletext 6y2 Jul18 23:14:04 U U U —————————————————————————————— COPING WITH INTERVIEWS Textbooks say that an interview is "a discussion with a purpose". The purpose is to enable the interviewer to find out more about you in relation to the Rob you have applied for. Styles and techniques vary greatly. Be prepared for anything. It may be casual and relaxed, or more formal, or there may be a panel. Several different interviews with different people may be the process. ——————————————————————————————————2/7—— Write to Mike for careers info >>> TELETEXT INDEX p101 CVs Work Kids RacingSMSP692 Teletext 6y2 Jul18 23:14:55 UU —————————————————————————————— COPING WITH INTERVIEWS Some firms may ask you to make a presentation. (ests may be part of the process before or after the interview. Another approach sometimes taken is a group discussion. Find out as much as you can beforehand about the likely approach to be taken, and think about the likely questions you will be asked like: "What do you feel you can bring to this job?" Be flexible. Role play with a friend. ——————————————————————————————————3/7—— Write to Mike for careers info >>> TELETEXT INDEX p101 CVs Work Kids RacingSMSP692 Teletext 6y2 Jul18 23:12:14 U UU —————————————————————————————— COPING WITH INTERVIEWS Before an interview, DO: Find out location, route, and plan your timings well in advance. Know as much as possible about the organisation before you arrive. Plan the clothes you will wear to the interview. Are they appropriate? Make sure you have all the things you will need, like certificates. Look through the papers that were sent to you about the job. Re-read your application. ——————————————————————————————————4/7—— Write to Mike for careers info >>> TELETEXT INDEX p101 CVs Work Kids RacingSMSP692 Teletext 692 Jul18 23:15:08 UU —————————————————————————————— COPING WITH INTERVIEWS At interviews, DO: Smile as you go in, and say "good morning/afternoon" as appropriate. Be polite always — remember you are trying to create a good impression. Look at the person who is asking the questions. It is acceptable to move your gaze during the interview. (ell the truth and be yourself. Sit comfortably but positively. Have planned some relevant questions about the work and the organisation. ——————————————————————————————————5/7—— Write to Mike for careers info >>> TELETEXT INDEX p101 CVs Work Kids RacingSMSP692 Teletext 692 Jul18 23:18:51 U UU —————————————————————————————— COPING WITH INTERVIEWS At interviews, DON'T: Smoke or chew gum. Avoid eye contact. Just answer "Yes" or "No". Waffle on and on. Be negative. Before an interview take slow, deep breaths — even on the route to the interview room. This can calm you down so you can give the best of yourself. ——————————————————————————————————6/7—— Write to careers@teletext.co.uk TELETEXT INDEX p101 CVs Work Kids RacingSMSP692 Teletext 692 Jul18 23:13:18 U U —————————————————————————————— WRITE TO MIKE DRUMMOND If you have a career query, Mike Drummond can answer your letters on these pagew. Drop him a line atz Mike Drummond Teletext PO Box 32549 London W4 5TX or e-mail careers@teletext.co.uk ——————————————————————————————————7/7—— Writing the killer CV 693 TV NEWS STORIES p130 CVs Work Kids RacingSMS