The interview

The interview is designed to find out more about you and to see if you are suitable for the job. The interviewer will do this by asking you questions. The way you answer will show what kind of person you are and if your education, skills and experience match what they’re looking for.

Do

Make a real effort to answer every question the interviewer asks. Be clear and concise. Never answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or shrug.

Admit it if you do not know something about the more technical aspects of the job. Stress that you are willing to learn.

Show some enthusiasm when the job is explained to you. Concentrate on what the interviewer is saying, and if he or she asks if you have any questions, have at least one ready to show that you’re interested and have done your homework.

Sell yourself. This doesn’t mean exaggerating (you’ll just get caught out) or making your experience or interests seem unimportant (if you sell yourself short no one will employ you).

Ask questions at the close of the interview. For instance, about the pay, hours, holidays, or if there is a training programme.

Don’t

Forget to shake hands with the interviewer. Smoke or sit down until you are invited to. Give the interviewer a hard time by giggling, yawning, rambling on unnecessarily or appearing cocky or argumentative.

Ever stress poor aspects of yourself, like your problem of getting up in the morning. Always show your best side: especially your keenness to work and your sense of responsibility.

After the interview

Think about how you presented yourself: could you have done better? If so, and if you do not get the job, you can be better prepared when you are next called for an interview. Good luck!

Post-Reading

A Mark these sentences as T (true) or F (false) according to the

Information in the text.

1) Find out as much information as you can about the job and the

company.

2) Arrive early for the interview.

3) Make a list of reasons why you are suitable for the job.

4) Have something to eat before you go to the interview.

5) Go to the toilet before the interview.

6) Have a drink before the interview.

7) Take all your certificates and letters of recommendation with

you.

8) Admit your ignorance if you don’t know about the technical

aspects of the job.

9) Show your best side only.

10) Shake hands with the interviewer.

11) Tell the interviewer about your shortcomings.

12) Ask about the pay you’ll get if you’re successful.

B On the left are the words and phrases from the text. Study their

Meanings in the context and match them with their equivalents