Remember that an interview is a two way street and that both parties are on show. Don’t let over confidence lead to complacency. Your CV/Resume has impressed them enough to get you this far and they now want to meet the person.

1. Poor/Non-existent preparation

• No matter what your skills and qualifications are, you are at a complete disadvantage if you don’t have at least some idea about the background or services that the firm offers.

• Check the Internet, have questions to ask, and prepare for what answers you will give.

2. The Pitch

• The employer is looking for a good match and at Atlas we call it the Attitude & Aptitude match. Be yourself.

• An Interview is a situation where you showcase yourself effectively; a sales meeting where you are the product, so you must market yourself.

• The way you speak, dress and answer questions is the package that you are offering to the employer.

• Know your employment history, the dates, key achievements and your qualifications.

3. Personal grooming

• First impressions are the lasting impressions that you want to create in the mind of the Interviewer.

• The old saying “better to be overdressed than under done” is the right attitude for an interview. An ironed long sleeve shirt/tidy blouse, with long pants/skirt/stockings, jacket and a tie.

• Arrive for the interview 15 minutes early and have a glass of water if offered it, to calm the nerves.

4. Generalising

• Where possible when answering questions, give a simple example as well as the answer.

• Put yourself in an Interviewers shoes; would you rather hear “I have prepared Tax Returns” or “I have completed Tax returns & financial statements for Companies, Partnerships & Trusts with the largest dollar turnover being $5 million”.

• Generalising is out at an Interview-save it for describing how big the last fish you caught was.

5. Tuning out

• You need to actively listen throughout the interview as a good or bad answer can prompt another question.

• By asking a question, you are tuning in to the Interview and showing real interest in the role offered.

• Also, it will enable you to ask a targeted question or deliver an answer that shows exactly why you are suitable for the job.

6. Dishonesty or Omission

• Recruitment is a risk management exercise and Atlas checks your experience through thorough initial interviews, Referee Reports, and even Psych tests, so don’t make up experience and qualifications.

• Gaps or omissions in your CV/Resume just throw up questions to a good recruiter, along with why you have not listed your last employer as a referee.

7. Over emphasising particular areas

• Emphasise recent achievements over the older parts of your CV.

• The most obvious over emphasis mistake centres around Salary expectations. As a professional courtesy, it is a good rule to not discuss salary at the first interview.

• 100% of the time, salary questions or negotiations will handle themselves. First demonstrate your suitability for the job through targeted and specific examples, and clearly point out the value you can bring to the employer. Salary is then never an issue.