Interviewing

You've been called for an interview. Chances are the employer will be interviewing several well-qualified applicants. Interviews vary from simple rather unstructured meetings to structured interview processes with predetermined questions and answers. Effectively demonstrate your potential by:

  • Preparing for the interview
  • Performing well at the interview
  • Following up after the Interview


Interviews are about marketing yourself to a potential employer and demonstrating how you would perform in the job you applied for. Good grooming, positive body language, energy, and enthusiasm speak volumes about a person's motivation, commitment and performance for a job.

Being interviewed can be a nerve-racking business that requires research and preparation. This should include spending time on your grooming and developing an awareness of your body language and general demeanor to make a good impression. If you look the part and can demonstrate that your experience and skills fit the role, you have done all you can to ensure you are selected for the position. Here are some interviewing tips and suggestions to make your interview a winner.
Interviewing Tips

  • An interview is a two-way exchange of information
  • The interviewer is interested in three things: Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you fit it?
  • Take a copy of your resume, references and a copy of the job description with you to the interview.
  • Tell stories that illustrate your point. Answering a question with facts and figures touches the interviewer's mind. If you answer with a great story, you will touch his or her heart.
  • Be professional and polite to everyone you encounter before and after your interview. Most jobs will require you to work in a team environment.


Grooming Tips

  • Tailor your choice of clothing to the residential construction industry and the position for which you are applying. Find out what to wear as part of your pre-interview research about the company.
  • Be clean and neat - shirts and blouses should be pressed and shoes polished;
  • Fashion statements or quirky accessories are best avoided when attending interviews - your interviewer will be expecting you to make an effort to impress, and you cannot predict their interpretation of your unusual tie or funky shoes.
  • For women, make-up should be classic and understated. Day-time make-up is most appropriate.
  • Hair should be clean and neat. Men should be clean shaven or make sure that beards are trimmed and neat.
  • Perfume and cologne should not be overpowering.