Interview Tips
Preparation for your pending interview is crucial.
The interview is the critical factor. The following are just some suggestions on ways to improve your interview technique.
Preparation
Research the client, research the business. Find out as much as you can about your potential employer, their competitors, etc.
You will be asked if you have any questions, below are a couple of ideas:
- Why has the position become available?
- I see you are accredited with Investors in People - what training can I expect to receive?
- What prospects are there for personal and professional development?
- What expansion plans does the company have?
Presentation
The minute you meet your interviewer, they will make a judgement - you will never have a second chance to make that first impression. Look professional, act professionally and dress professionally. Dress conservatively rather than casually. A dark suit and tie or skirt and jacket are always totally acceptable.
To get an interview, means your CV has worked, you've done a good job of selling yourself to date. Don't spoil it by creating a less than positive visual impression.
The Interview
Don't be a shrinking violet. Let your interviewer know what you are looking for, however, be ready to answer difficult/awkward questions.
First impressions count. Research has shown that an interview has made an impression with the first 8 seconds of meeting. The remainder of the interview is spent confirming this opinion, or turning this opinion round.
Never ever be late for an interview. If you have a serious, unforeseen problem, i.e. a flat tyre, call the prospective employer and explain your predicament.
During the interview
Body language plays a huge part in any interview. Maker certain your sit up straight, lean forward slightly and always maintain good eye contact with the interview or panel. DO NOT LOOK DISINTERESTED.
The interview is really a two way discussion with both of your trying to find out as much about each other as you can. If you don't understand a question, do not be afraid to ask for clarification or for it be rephrased. Answer each question honestly and as fully as you can without using jargon or worse still evading parts of the question with which you are uncomfortable.
Interviews are normally very structured and more or less follow the same pattern: i.e.
- General background
- Qualifications
- Experience - where your competency for doing your previous job will be challenged.
- Reasons for applying
- Career objectives
At the end of your interview, always smile and thank the people involved for their time.
Some sample interview questions which you may want to give some thought to:
- Why do you want to work with this company?
- Give me an example when you have had to work under pressure?
- What are your greatest achievements to date?
- What interests you most/least about the job?
- Describe a situation where you have . . . (this is the style of questioning used in competency based interviewing, asking for examples of previous situations - give thought to you, your job, what you need to be able to do your job.
- What salary would you be looking for? Don't just think of a number, do some research, look at comparable jobs and make an informed assessment.