Candidate's Zone
> Interview Guidance

The biggest and most basic mistake many applicants make prior to a job interview is lack of preparation. Preparation can make the difference between getting that job offer.

Whether for a temporary or permanent role, some of the key aspects an interviewer will be looking for in a potential employee is that you instil them with confidence, that you have the necessary skills and are capable of doing the role they are interviewing you for, and that you are enthusiastic and you actually want the job.

At Niyaa people we know you are suitable from our intelligent match-making and recruitment experience, however, the interview process is your opportunity to demonstrate to a perspective employer that you are the right person for them!

Key questions to expect from an interviewer:

Question 1 – Tell me about yourself?
Keep it simple and concise – they do not want war and peace of your life! The best approach to this question is to cover three specific elements of your working career that is relevant to the job you are being interviewed for.

Question 2 – What are your key strengths?
Match you strengths to the attributes required for the role and have some examples ready to demonstrate how these have been put into practice.

Question 3 – What are your weaknesses?
The question many of us dread! The approach to this question is to give a scenario, preferably one from a working environment. Explain what happened, how you reacted and in turn what you learnt from the situation. This will demonstrate to the interviewer your awareness of your weaknesses and how you manage them.

First impressions do count and it is suggested that an interviewer usually decides whether a candidate is right for the job within the first five minutes of being interviewed. To demonstrate enthusiasm and confidence within the opening moments of your interview we suggest the following:

• Arrive ten minutes early
• Read some of the company literature in the reception area as this could give you a valuable insight into the company and the projects they are currently working on
• If possible, speak to the receptionist to get an idea of the company and it’s culture

Upon meeting your interviewer:

• Greet with a good firm handshake and make eye contact
• Thank them for their time at the start and at the end of the interview
• If you are walking from reception to an interview room take this opportunity to discuss what you have learnt about the company; i.e. a current project they are working on, how that is going, your initial impression of the office environment etc

The above will help to relax you prior to the interview commencing.

Good luck and try to enjoy the interview!