If you are anything like me, you don't just let things happen. You plan, prepare and execute things the way you want them to happen. 

Anyone can get a job, especially in Ireland where finding a job is easier then finding accommodation. 

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But what job are you looking for? 

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Are you just looking for (any) job or you are looking for that well paid office job or maybe a promotion to your current position with more benefits and better conditions? 

Job opportunities are huge but so is the competition and just getting to the interview stage for a an attractive job is hard enough, so why blow it off with arriving to the interview unprepared? 

You can't prepare good enough for interview as this is your first and only chance to leave a good impression and actually getting the job!

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​But don't limit yourself just on work related experience. Multitasking skills could be matched with your student days where you simultaneously worked on three different projects and studied for the exams at the same time. 

Volunteering experience and your hobbies are also where you can find inspiration from and find a match for a listed skills of knowledge. 

Do you have any certificates or did you attended any activities that might complement the skills you already have? These are all things to think about that can help you with matching your skills with the required skills. 

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Few other things to think about:

1. Did you organize or were you a part of any corporate event or conference?

2. Did you organize or participated in any projects?

3. Have you attended any course?

4. Are you a member of any organisation? 

And don't forget to write it all down so you can practice. 

Interview questions are number 1 thing you need to truly master if you want the job. 

Having the answers ready up front will give you a big advantage. 

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Firstly, you will look professional. Having to think long time for an answer will give the interviewer a feeling that you didn't prepare for interview thus you don't care too much about the job.

You will also look more confident and relaxed. And you will avoid giving short, unwanted answers. 

Here's a list of frequently asked questions:

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1. Tell me about yourself?

2. Why do you want this job?​

3. What is your greatest strength?

​4. What is your greatest weakness?

5. What do you know about this company?

6. Describe a difficult work situation or project and how you overcame it.​ 

7. How do you handle stress and pressure? 

8. Why are you leaving or why have you left your job?

9. What are your salary expectations?​ 

10. Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

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Questions are usually categorized as follows and you should go through these categories and be ready for at least one question from each.

About You

Interviewers will usually ask these questions at the begging of the interview and to gain insight into your personality and whether you're a fit for the job and the company. Use these questions to present yourself as the best possible choice and structure it as past-present-future to give an insight about yourself.

Qualifications

One of the most important questions is, of course, about your qualifications because interviewer want to determine whether you're qualified for the job. When responding to these questions be as specific and detailed as you can be.

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Leaving Your Job

Almost always this questions is asked at the interview. Be prepared to give a reason for why you're moving on and looking for a new job. Do not talk bad about your last employer and try to keep it on a positive note.

Use it as an opportunity to also express what you are looking from the employer. 

Salary 

Questions about salary can be tricky to answer. If you can, try to avoid giving exact numbers and just say you are flexible to negotiate. Do not forget to mention your most valued skills and say your expectations are in line with you skills and knowledge. Do the research to find out whats is the average salary for the position and offer a range. 

The New Job and the Company

​Research the employer and the company. What are they doing, what are their values and future projects? You will be asked what do you know about the company, why do you want the job, and what would you do if you were to be hired. 

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The Future

​Can you make a commitment and are you going to stick around is something most employers want to know. 

​Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? What are your career goals? How do you plan to achieve your goals? 

Think about these questions and be prepared to answer about your career plans for the future. 

Don't forget to prepare your own question for the interviewer!

Having the right outfit for the job interview will not only present you as a tidy and professional person, but will also give you a confidence boost and show that you respect the interviewer and their company.

You can't go wrong with a classic business professional attire both for men and women:

It is important to bring the right things with you. You might not need them but it's all about being ready for every situation. 

Be sure you have everything you need ready to go:

1. Extra copies of your CV

2. Reference letters

3. Questions you have for the interviewer​

4. Pen and paper

5. ID or any other identification document 

6. Work samples (if applicable) 

What NOT to bring with you for interview:

1. Chewing gum, coffee, food

2. Any strong perfumes or colognes​

3. Phone (have it in your bag turned off or on silence) Do not keep in it your pocket on vibration as it might distract you during the interview

4. Hat, cap, backpack (use a briefcase for any papers you might need to bring)

5. Friends, parents or any other person 

Sending a follow up 'Thank You' email or note is a polite interview etiquette and also something that might highlight you between other candidates.

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It is an opportunity to add something if you forgot to mention during the interview or address any issues or concerns that you might have.

Depending on the job you are applying for you can make the Thank You email short or more complex but do always send a follow up after the interview.

1. Analyze the job description (in detail)

2. ​Master the interview questions

​3. Dress for success 

​4. Know what to bring​ (and bring the right things)

​5. Follow up with a Thank You email 

Print the next few pages and fill them up. 

Be detailed as much as you can and write down everything that comes up to your mind. 

Once you have everything filled out read it through and shape it to sound as good as possible. 

Read it out load to a friend (as you might not see something obvious) and ask for the opinion. 

This might sound like a lot of work for just a simple interview but it is necessary if you want to stand out from the crowd and get the job! A bit of work will pay out once you start working the job you really want and enjoy working. 

1. Tell me about yourself?

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2. Why do you want this job?​

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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3. What is your greatest strength?

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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​4. What is your greatest weakness?

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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5. What do you know about this company?​

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

6. Describe a difficult work situation or project and how you overcame it.​ 

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

7. How do you handle stress and pressure?

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

8. Why are you leaving or why have you left your job?

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

9. What are your salary expectations?​ 

​_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

10. Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

​_______________________________________________

​_______________________________________________

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Woman checklist:

• Suit in navy, black, or dark grey
• Suit skirt just below or above the knee
• Coordinated blouse
• Conservative shoes
• Limited jewelry​
  
• No dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets
• No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
• Moderate makeup 

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Men checklist: 

• Suit in a solid color such as navy, black, or dark grey with leather belt
• Long sleeved shirt that is white or color coordinated with the suit and tie
• Dark socks and conservative leather shoes
• Little or no jewelry
• Neat hairstyle

Check also our other free resources

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