The art to a good interview lies in the good details.

Do some research and impress the interviewer with your knowledge.

Not all of us have to endure a job interview from hell with Sir Alan Sugar of “you are fired” fame on The Apprentice. Billed as the longest job interview ever, sugar makes no bones in subjecting his candidates to insults, scathing criticisms couched in “colourful language” and flavoured with much finger pointing. What the cameras don’t reveal is that the two runners-up are subjected to a six-month trial period working in one of Sir Alan’s companies in pursuit of the R1 million jobs.

Fortunately most interviews are not structured along those lines can then get a clearer understanding of the interviewee’s needs, capabilities, experience, personality and sustainability for the job. “From the candidates’ point of view, the more prepared they are, the better the interview, “she says.

Knowing as much as possible about the company – its financial position, mission, clients, products and services and the management structure – can make the interview more interactive and could just the edge needed in a competitive job market. Checking out the company’s website can also provide valuable information to impress the interviewer. A quick internet search would reveal valuable insights into the CEO’s thinking and opinions gleaned from comments in press articles.

Rob Mailich, a former accounting graduate of Boston and MD of REDi Recruitment, agrees. “As the competition for jobs grows, it’s not just a question of being prepared, its more about knowing what to prepare for,” says Mailich. He explains that behaviour based interviewing is becoming more common as a candidate’s past performance is the best indicator of future achievements.

“As a recruitment consultant my job is to sell the candidate to my client. I place just as much (if not more) importance on how the candidates present themselves and first impressions as I do in the CV.“The CV merely gives them an opportunity to sell their skills to me or the potential employer.I focus on accomplishments and academics, going right back to matric and university as well as current successes and whether they are team players or independent workers. They way they speak, their posture and eye contact says a lot about the person too.”Of course being on time for the interview and being dressed appropriately is a no-brainer.” Here are some guidelines:

• Give examples of you successes in your previous job.
• Explain why you leave your job.
• Explain how you can add value to the company.
• Remember you are simply trying to get a job, you also want to asses if company and positions are a good fit for you.
• List your skills, values and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses.
• Don’t be thrown by “tough” questions. Try and anticipate what they might be.
• During the interview try to remain as calm as possible.

“A successful placement has direct impact on the company in a long term. “It increases the calibre of personnel and it enhances the company’s capacity, raises productivity which in turn builds favourable reputation in the market place and most importantly, it boosts staff morale.” Says Rabson.

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