Interview Tips

Here are a few more do's and don'ts for being at your best during an interview.

Do:

• Plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
• Greet the interviewer by their first name.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright and always look alert and interested. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile!
• Maintain eye contact.
• Follow the interviewer's leads but try to get them to describe the position and duties early in the interview so you can relate your background and skills to the position.
• Make sure you convey your good points factually and sincerely. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make them realise why they need you in their organisation.
• Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be free to choose from a number of jobs rather than only one.

Do NOT:

• Answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Share things about yourself relating to the position.
• Lie. Always answer questions truthfully, frankly and as concisely as possible.
• Ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers, colleagues or companies.
• 'Over-answer' questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. It is best to answer the questions honestly, saying no more than is necessary.
• Let your discouragement show. If you get the impression the interview is not going well and you have already been rejected, don't show discouragement or alarm. Occasionally an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
• Ask about salary, bonuses or holidays at the first interview - unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you and raises the issue first. However, know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.

Some Tips for Looking for Jobs from Gumtree website

Jobs - top tips for staying safe:

1. You should find out as much as you can about the company from independent resources before taking up a position. If you are an employer, follow up on references and check on their authenticity.
2. Meet your prospective employers/ employees face to face.
3. You should NOT have to provide your bank account details when applying for a job (this should only be once you have accepted an offer and started with the company). 
4. Unfortunately some scammers do target job seekers so please make yourself aware of the common scams out there. All the usual common sense rules apply - if it looks too good to be true it probably is!

If you are in Cape Town.. and looking for a job .. Or a new job.. Why not check out the latest jobs offerings from Gumtree ... One of the largest online job resources in South Africa. They have separate categories for all the jobs... Easy search engines and easy to navigate site . 

 http://www.gumtree.co.za/s-jobs/cape-town/v1c8l3100006p1