Interview Advice for Graduate Professionals

Media Release

As South Africa’s next batch of Graduates prepares to enter the new world of work, many find themselves ill-equipped for the one of the most daunting experiences of their lives – the dreaded interview!

Whilst universities provide all the necessary theoretical knowledge and know-how, few provide practical advice on how to search for a job and how to behave in an interview. In fact, Carroll-Anne Pollock, General Manager of Grey_Consulting, South Africa’s leading specialist accounting, financial and risk management recruitment consultancy says “Contrary to popular belief, lack of preparation for an interview, not lack of work experience, is one of the most common reasons Graduates do not get the position they are applying for.”

“Going for your first interview can be overwhelming; however it is something you have to undertake if you wish to embark on a new, exciting career” Pollock explains. “The most important aspect of the interviewing process is to leave your potential employer with a positive impression that will drive him to action and employ you!” She says that there are several things that a Graduate can do before the interview to ensure you stand out as an excellent first-time Candidate, such as:

Be Prepared: Being prepared does not only include knowing your skills, successes, work experience and personal accomplishments but also knowing facts and figures about the position and the potential employer. Prior to an interview, match your inventory of skills and qualifications listed on your CV with the requirements of the desired position as well as the current needs of the hiring company.

Be on Time: Being punctual is of the utmost importance as it illustrates professionalism and courtesy. Ensure that you are armed with the correct address and time of the interview. Always add on an additional 30 minutes to your time to make allowances for traffic and getting lost. If you can, it may be worthwhile travelling there the day before so that you know the route and how long it will take.

Dress Appropriately: The way you look can most certainly influence employment decisions. If possible, find out if the organisation has a particular dress code and dress accordingly. If this isn’t possible, then a suit for both men and women would be most appropriate. Dressing too casually can give the interviewer the wrong impression and is often associated with lack of motivation.

Practice Answers to Potential Questions: It is vitally important that you take the time to think about how you would answer potential questions. By preparing correctly you will eliminate any time delays and stuttering, and you will be able to answer confidently and with poise and self-belief. Potential questions could include:

 

	Have you applied for any other jobs/internships? If so, where?
	What made you decide to study this profession?
	What are goals and how are you going to achieve them?
	What do you consider to be your strengths?
	What are your weaknesses?
	Do you have any major achievements to date?
	What do you do in your spare time?
	Tell me about a difficult experience either at work or if you haven’t worked before, in life and how you dealt with it…
	What do you know about our business?
	Describe how you see the role…
	Do you work well under pressure?
	Would you prefer working with others or working alone?

 

Pollock explains “Being well prepared is only the first step, you also need to execute your preparation at the interview in a manner that renders the potential employer speechless and eager to hire you.” She offers the following tips when at the interview:

 

	Greet the interviewer by surname
	Shake hands firmly
	Be confident in all you say – even if you feeling shaky at the time as it inspires confidence in you as a Candidate
	Answer all questions honestly – never lie!
	Don’t be negative about your current position or employer
	Display hunger and enthusiasm for the position
	Never bring up salary unless the interviewer brings it up first
	Maintain eye contact
	Thank the interviewer for his time

 

“As an unknown author once said ‘it is perseverance which distinguishes the strong from the weak’. So if you try and fail, try again and again and again! You will perfect the art of being a star interviewee in no time and finally get the job” concludes Pollock.

Ends

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