Recruitment & Orientation

The Job Interview

Objectives
• Define a job interview.
• Outline the purpose of a job interview.
• Explain the factors to consider when preparing for a job
interview.
Job Interviews
• A job interview is essentially a structured conversation in
which one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate
another person.
Purpose
• The purpose of an interview is twofold:
• It shows the employer what the applicant can do for the
company; and
• It gives the applicant an opportunity to assess whether their
qualifications and career ambitions align with the position.
• When both parties listen intently and speak accurately,
there is much to gain from the job interview process
Factors to consider:
• Selection of attire
• Research on the organisation and position
• Your portfolio
• Types of questions
• Deportment and conduct at the interview
Selection of attire
• Well-pressed suit, in a solid dark colour,
preferably dark grey or black.
• A coordinating tie.
• A dark-coloured belt
• Clean, well polished shoes
• No jewellery, except a watch
• Professional hair style
• Clean, neatly trimmed fingernails
• Subtle cologne or aftershave
Research on organisation and
position
Find out about the following:
What products or services they provide?
General information about the industry
Who are their customers?
What differentiates them from their competitors?
Their mission, vision, goals and objectives?
What the position involves?
Your Portfolio
• Sort and copy ALL required
documents, including photo
identification, certificates and
testimonials.
• Place these into a portfolio (a
flat case for holding
documents) and take along
with you to the interview.
Types of questions
Some typical questions asked by interviewers:
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why should we hire you?
• What were your responsibilities at your previous job?
• What were your biggest accomplishments/challenges?
• What was your salary? Or What salary do you expect to earn?
• Why do you believe you are the right person for this job?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What motivated you to apply for this position?
Types of questions
Possible questions to ask the employer
• What opportunities are there for me to further develop my IT
skills?
• What are the exact hours of work?
• If I worked hard, could you say what my promotion prospects
might be?
Deportment & Conduct
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
• Switch OFF your cell phone before you enter the building for the
interview.
• State your name and who you have come to see to the
receptionist. Answer questions asked however try not to give
too much information.
• Breathe deeply to conquer any nerves. DO NOT fidget, keep
looking at your watch or listening to music with earphones in.
Deportment & Conduct
DURING THE INTERVIEW
• Greet the interviewer(s) and be prepared to shake hands.
• Sit when invited to have a seat. Sit up straight, be pleasant and
make eye contact.
• Answer the questions honestly.
CLOSE OF INTERVIEW
• Thank the person for seeing you. Close door quietly, and say
goodbye to the receptionist as you leave.