Interview Preparation

The interview will be structured in a manner to ensure equal opportunity and equity for each interviewee.

An interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your personal attributes, your strengths, your personality, your ability to communicate and your knowledge of the organisation and industry you are applying for.  Detailed below are some tips to assist you.

Demonstrating Enthusiasm

An employer is often willing to give someone a chance, even if they don’t have all of the right skills and they are enthusiastic and passionate about the job.  Demonstrate how keen you are and your knowledge of the position you are applying for.  Do your homework and be confident.  Ask questions and take an interest in the organisation and the position itself.

Be Prepared

It is important to know the place and time of your interview prior to your interview.  It is also important to be 10 minutes early for your interview.  Never be late to an interview.

Research the organisation, position and the vocation you are applying for prior to your interview.  This can be done by visiting the organisation’s website and other relevant websites.  Demonstrate that you have done your homework by being able to answer questions regarding the organisation and the vocation you are applying for.

Interview Questions

Be prepared to answer questions such as:

• What are your hobbies, interests, ambitions?
• Why did you choose this particular vocation?
• What is your previous / current employment or work experience?
• What do you know about PEER VEET and the vocation you are applying for?

Other topics that may arise are:

• School results.
• Industry knowledge.
• Hand skills experience.
• Apprenticeship / Traineeship contracts and length of contracts .
• Knowledge of Contract of Training.
• Knowledge of Group Training.
• Ability / willingness to travel.
• Drivers Licence.
• Willingness to work at heights and in confined spaces.

Things to Remember for Your Interview

• Present with a smart, neat appearance – this is your first opportunity to make an impression e.g., slacks and shirt.
• Take a copy of your resume and any other relevant documents to your interview e.g., School results, work experience reports, references etc.
• Be friendly and courteous to the receptionist on arrival.
• Project a friendly, professional and positive attitude.
• When meeting the person interviewing shake their hand firmly, use eye contact and greet the interviewer by their name.
• Wait until a chair has been offered to you before sitting.  Sit upright in your chair and look interested and alert at all times.
• Be a good listener as well as a good talker, smile and look the interviewer in the eyes when talking with them.
• Try to stay calm and relaxed.
• If presented with an application form fill in out neatly and completely.
• Don’t answer questions with a simple yes or no answer.  Expand upon your answers wherever possible.
• Express your thoughts clearly and concisely when answering questions.  Provide answers about yourself and your skills and explain how they relate to the position you are applying for.
• Don’t ramble and never interrupt.
• Answer questions truthfully.
• Answer questions positively.  Don’t be negative nor passive.
• Don’t panic if there is silence.  Keep calm and relaxed and take a few seconds to think about your answers making sure to answer them clearly and concisely.
• Be prepared to ask questions at the end of the interview.  This also indicates you have been listening and lets the interviewer know you are keen.  Don’t worry about appearing too eager, just be yourself.
• Finish the interview with a hand shake and thank the person for their time.