Interview techniques

Your background : interests, education, work experience and qualifications.

Your qualifications : which include educational, employment-related and personal qualifications. This is obviously crucial to winning the job, so prepare in advance.

Experience : employment, community work, education, and experience in this type of role.

Reasons for applying : Why the job appeals and how it fits into your career objectives.

Performance under stress : Employers give candidates questions designed to test their ability in crises. Plan an answer around scenarios relevant to the job you are applying for.

Your questions : You will often be asked if you have any questions. Prepare one or two relevant questions - for example, the company's direction and the training on offer.

Sample interview questions : Interviewers often have a standard checklist of questions they ask applicants. For example: What is your ideal job? Why are you seeking a position with our company/ in this field? How do you cope with pressure? Name one problem you had with a colleague and how you handled it. What achievements are you most proud of? Have you achieved your goals this far? What interests you most/least about this job? What salary are you looking for? Describe your personality. Describe a time where you have...

The offer : If an offer of a job is made on the spot, ask for the offer to be confirmed in writing before formally accepting. Otherwise, follow up with JRS after the interview.