An Interview for a Second Job

Being interviewed for a job is traumatic. It doesn't matter if your last interview was the previous month or well over a decade before, it's always stressful. Even though the job is just for a second income, treat the interview as being as important as if you'd be completely reliant on this job for your money.

There are several things you can do to ensure the interview process goes smoothly. Of course, it's no guarantee that you'll get the job, but you'll feel more confident and perform better.

Be Prepared

It's always best to think ahead and prepare for your interview. Consider the questions that might be asked (such as "Why do you want to work for us?" and "What can you bring to this company?) and have good, thoughtful answers ready.

Take a few copies of your CV with you. Depending on the position, you may not need them, but better to have them with you, just in case, and give one to the interviewer if all you've had to do previously is full out an application form.

Dress well. In some cases that won't mean a suit or tie, but arrive in appropriate, good clothing, not a tee shirt or jeans. Be showered and, in the case of men, shaved. It shows respect for your potential employer and the fact that you take the interview seriously.

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time. It's better to be early and have to wait than be late or rushed and forced into apologies, which creates the wrong impression about you. Be courteous to other staff in the office.

The Interview

Be polite and confident (but not cocky!) in your responses to questions, and make eye contact with the interviewer. Whatever happens, don't allow yourself to become emotional or angry - keep your tone even throughout.

Keep your answers brief and to the point, but with enough substance so that it's obvious you know what you're talking about. Avoid the extremes of single-word replies or waffling statements.

Don't be afraid to ask some questions yourself, as long as they relate to the job. After all, it's perfectly natural to want to know how much the job pays and what the working hours and conditions will be - they affect whether you'll accept the position if it's offered to you.

You should also establish how and when you'll hear as to whether you've been given the job. Will you receive a call or a letter or should you contact the company after a specified length of time (in most cases they'll contact you)?

Thank the interviewer for his or her time at the end. Shake hands, make sure you gather up whatever you brought with you and leave quietly (it looks bad if you leave something behind, and you don't want to be thought of as forgetful before you even start!).

After The Interview

As you go home, replay the interview in your mind. What went well? What could you have done better? Even if you're not offered that job, the analysis can help you perform more effectively in the next interview.

Don't become discouraged if you're not offered the job. In all likelihood it's not a reflection on your personally, but due to someone better qualified having applied. Remember what you learnt from the interview and use it next time.