:: Kelly ::

Preparation is critical to ensuring a successful interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an interview:

Interview details
Ensure you know the exact address and time of the interview; the interviewer's full name (and correct pronunciation) as well as the interviewer's job title.

Company information
Find out information about the company - where its offices are located; what its growth has been; and what its growth potential is for the future. For more information about the company, visit its website or get a copy of its annual report. You could also speak to your Kelly Account Executive to get more background information.

Dress for success
Dress neatly and in an appropriate manner. Casual clothes are generally not suitable for an interview. Remember, your appearance will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Speak to your Kelly Account Executive if you are unsure of the correct dress code.

Refresh your memory
Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present/former company, as well as the details on your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Prepare for the interview
Ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the interview. Make notes to take with. Prepare the questions you will ask and remember that an interview is a two-way communication process. The interviewer will try determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. You in turn, must determine through questioning whether the company will provide the opportunity for the growth and development you may seek.

Competency/Behavioural Based Interviewing
In today's new world of work most employers do competency (also known as behaviourial) based interviews. This interview technique is based on the simplistic premise that 'past behaviour predicts future behaviour'. During such interviews, the interviewer probes past experiences and behaviours to assess your ability to deal with similar situations. Some examples of these could include:

●	Give an example of where you had to deal with a difficult Client. How did you resolve the Client's problem and what was the outcome
●	Give an example of how you dealt with a stressful situation. Describe your actions and what was the outcome
●	Explain the most challenging change you've faced at work. How did you deal with this change and what was the outcome
●	Describe the most diverse group/team that you've been part of. What problems did you encounter and what was the outcome
●	Unexpected absences can disrupt the progress of a particular task or project. Describe a similar situation that you had to deal with; the actions you took and the outcome

Take some time to think about some of your past experiences and jot down notes of difficult situations that you have successfully dealt with.

Examples of some probing questions you might ask the interviewer:

●	A detailed description of the position
●	Reason the position is available
●	Culture of the company, growth plans and best selling products or services
●	Anticipated induction and training programme/s

A few more questions the interviewer may ask you:

●	What kind of job are you looking for
●	What do you know about the company
●	Why do you want to leave your current job/employer
●	Have you ever accepted a counter-offer
●	What are your qualifications and experience
●	What are your strengths and weaknesses

Useful tips to ensure a successful interview:

●	Arrive at least five to ten minutes early for the interview
●	Fill out all documentation neatly and completely
●	Greet the interviewer by surname. If you are not sure of the pronunciation, ask the interviewer to repeat it
●	Shake hands firmly and wait until you are offered a seat before you sit
●	Sit upright, look alert and interested. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile. Always look the interviewer in the eye
●	Follow the interviewer's lead, but try to obtain a full description of the position and duties, so that you can relay your appropriate background and skills
●	Convey your good points in a factual, sincere manner. Only you can sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits you can offer
●	Focus on the position you are interviewing for and the company you are interviewing with. For example, if asked what job you would want if you could have any job in the world, don't mention a position or company that has nothing to do with your current interview as this shows a disinterest to the interviewer
●	Don't make negative remarks about your present or past employers
●	Avoid controversial topics such as politics or economics
●	Enquire about salary, annual leave, bonuses etc. only if the interviewer raises this first. Know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary range

The Interview
You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to assess your strengths and weaknesses in order to fill a vacancy. In addition, specific characteristics will be probed, such as attitude, aptitude, stability, motivation and maturity. If you are interested in the position, enquire about the next interview stage if applicable. If the interviewer offers the position to you and you want it; accept immediately. If you would like some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you can provide an answer. Don't be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult with colleagues first or interview other Candidates before making a decision. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. The interviewer may simply want to not create an expectation with you. Always thank the interviewer for the time spent with you and the opportunity afforded.

After the Interview
Lastly and most importantly, call your Kelly Account Executive immediately after the interview and discuss your view on how the interview progressed. Never contact the company directly, always work through your Kelly Account Executive.