A face to face interview gives you the opportunity to show why you are the right person for the position. Research, planning and preparation will enhance your prospects of success.

Research as much as possible about the company
The internet is a useful tool with the company website often containing information about new products and new company initiatives. Industry contacts and media are also useful sources of information. Good, relevant research will be a powerful ally during the interview. It will allow you to demonstrate an in depth understanding of the company, its philosophies and future direction.

Find out from your Recruitment Consultant:

• Background of people conducting the interview;
• Possible questions you may be asked;
• Interview time and location (confirm in writing).

List questions you want information on

The salary package should not be at the top of the list - your Recruitment Consultant should have already discussed this with you.

Some traditional interview questions

• Why are you interested in a position with our organisation?
• What interests you most about this position?
  
• What strengths do you have that will help you perform this role?
  
• What are your weaknesses?
  
• What is your proudest accomplishment?
  
• How would others describe you?
  
• Where do you see yourself, careerwise, in 5 years?

• Be punctual - you will not be the only person being interviewed;
• Greet your interviewer with confidence and a firm handshake;
• Presentation - discuss this with your Recruitment Consultant as first impressions are important;
• Maintain good eye contact;
• You will probably be nervous but adopt an enthusiastic, positive mindset;
• Be confident about yourself and your abilities;
• Answer questions honestly in a clear concise manner;
• At the conclusion of the interview reinforce why you want the position and are the right person for the role;
• Thank those involved for their time and ask for a time frame on the decision.

A professional resume should contain the following information in the sequence listed below:

1. Personal Details:

• Address;
• Email;
• Telephone numbers;
• Licences.

2. Education:

• Tertiary Institution;
• Qualifications obtained eg. BA AgScience, Diploma;
• Year graduated;
• Secondary level reached , school attended;
• Other studies or courses.

3. Employment Details:

• Start with the most recent employer;
• Ensure dates are accurate;
• Title of roles and industry sector;
• Brief summary of position with bullet points of key tasks performed.

4. Additional Skills or Training
Could include:

• Computer;
• Agsafe accredited;
• Fertcare accredited;
• CPA.

5. Interests or Hobbies
Could include:

• Taxidermy;
• APEX;
• Football;
• Cricket.

6. Referees (Optional)

• Do not exceed 3-4 pages, bearing in mind the reader will be reviewing a number of resumes;
  
• Be concise with your information and keep the layout simple. Pictures or graphics can cause problems for the end-user;
• References and published papers are best presented at the interview. They can give the impression that you are overqualified or too academic for the majority of positions;
• If possible provide as a word document for user-friendliness.