1. A lack of interview preparation – know your target.
a. Always know who the key decision makers are in the company and in particular for overseas head offices – know who the CEO/chairman is and what their background is
b. Research the person you are being interviewed by – it helps to build a rapport and demonstrates you have shown interest in the individual
c. Have a good understanding of the company’s products and be able to answer and ask questions and have a point of view
d. Look at the website and understand the culture of the business – try to find out what the company vision is
e. Understand their target market and think how you may be able to help them achieve their goals with your experience and knowledge.
2. Inappropriate attire.
Dress appropriately, for the first interview always wear a suit (jacket and trousers, jacket and skirt?) and make sure your shoes are clean, hair is washed/cut and fingers nails are clean. You never get a second chance to make a first impression and you can always dress down slightly on your second or third interview once you know the company culture.
You can find the rest of Lis’ advice over at MCVUK.com. Meanwhile, the rest of our New Year, New Job content can be found via www.develop-online.net/jobs2015.