| Sometimes we simply do not have the luxury of | | | | have successfully dealt with similar issues in the past |
| several days preparation ahead of a job interview. | | | | and a comprehensive account of how you avoid |
| When faced with a last minute interview try these ten | | | | personality disputes coupled with a clear statement |
| essential advice tips. | | | | that you have firmly put those events behind you. |
| | | | 7. Ask key questions; interviews are also an |
| 1. Be enthusiastic; whether your interview is formal or | | | | opportunity for you to query the areas that are |
| informal, be enthusiastic and take a positive outlook | | | | important to you; the general rule is to not enquire |
| throughout the entire process (even if you feel it has | | | | about salary / conditions at first stage interview and |
| not gone well in parts). | | | | focus on pertinent questions that are important to you. |
| 2. Show loyalty; loyalty is highly valued in any company | | | | For example, company priorities over the next 12 |
| and when it comes to discussing previous employers | | | | months, the challenges the job-holder can expect and |
| draw on positives and never speak negatively of | | | | how the role is likely to develop. |
| them. | | | | 8. State your interest; explain exactly what interests |
| 3. Be natural; don't worry about pausing before you | | | | you about the job, how you can contribute and how it |
| answer a question, it shows you can think and are not | | | | fits with your career goals. Stating that you 'want to' |
| delivering rehearsed answers. | | | | contribute to an organisation will be viewed in a |
| 4. Be honest; try not to embellish or waffle through | | | | positive light. Furthermore, stating that you perform and |
| answers, it's always better to admit you don't know | | | | thrive best when you are passionate about a job is |
| the answer to something. Be honest about any | | | | recommended, so show you are passionate about it |
| shortcomings and expand on how you can overcome | | | | and draw on some of your research on the role and |
| them through training or coaching. | | | | the company. |
| 5. Avoid emotion; for example if you have left a | | | | 9. Ask a closing question: the final recommended |
| position on bad terms, provide a concise, positive and | | | | question is, "Do you have any doubts about my ability |
| factual account. Try to avoid any emotional | | | | to perform highly in this role?" This will give you an |
| explanation and never blame others. If your position | | | | excellent opportunity to overcome any reservations or |
| became untenable and you moved on, then bear in | | | | to explain in more detail any points that have been |
| mind that most employers will agree that this was the | | | | wrongly assumed or misunderstood. Should the |
| best course of action. | | | | interviewer state that they have no doubts or |
| 6. Think ahead; prepare to be asked for previous | | | | reservations, then that is your opportunity to reiterate |
| examples which are relevant to the role and | | | | your interest in the role and enquire as to the next |
| behavioural fit. Expect some related exploratory | | | | stage in the process. |
| questions to point 5 (if appropriate to you) about how | | | | 10. Thank the interviewer; email the interviewer the |
| you would fit into their organisation and what you have | | | | following day a very brief note to thank them for their |
| learnt from the situation. Provide examples of how you | | | | time and reiterate your interest in the job. |