Interview Advice
Once you have been successful in the selection process, you will eventually arrive at the interview stage. This can be a major obstacle for some applicants, even though they may have the qualification, experience and a proven track record, it is easy to lose out to a another candidate who 'interviews well'.
INTERVIEWING WELL
So what does 'interviewing well' actually mean? It is when a candidate is effectively prepared and displaying a high level of confidence. It is when a candidate can answer questions in the most appropriate and acceptable manner. In addition it is when the candidate has clearly taken the time and trouble to find out about their potential employers business and post they are applying for. We can help candidates to be articulate and prepared in their responses during teh interview.
Employers look to fill a post beyond the job specification. We can advise you on how to present your other personal attributes besides the experience and qualifications that can be put down on paper.
PREPARING YOURSELF
Good preparation instills confidence. The essential approach to an interview is to be well prepared. This means two things - preparing yourself practically for the interview, and gathering knowledge and information you can draw on during the interview.
Your worst nightmare for an interviewee is rushing around at the last minute, arriving late, all hot and bothered for an interview. This diminishes your confidence. Your mind will not be on the interview and your personal presentation will suffer.
Remember if you don't look good and feel good you will interview badly. So get the practicalities sorted out first! Plan and be organised!
INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewer where appropriate. Check out how you will get to the location and when you need to set off to be there in good time - always do a dummy run if you are not familiar with the location. Plan to get there about half an hour before the interview time and anticipate delays.
Have what you are going to wear ready in advance. Do not go to the interview laden down with baggage - psychological as well as physical. Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary. Focus firmly on the interview, listen carefully to the questions and respond thoughtfully.
If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc, get them ready before the day. Take your interview letter. On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there, visit the toilets to tidy up etc.
If you are well organised and have planned for the day your confidence will increase.
PREPARING TO MEET THE EMPLOYER
The interview is a chance for you and the employer to get to know one another. It is NOT the time to get to know about the post or the employer's business.
Do gather information about your employer before you are interviewed - what do they do? What are their current projects? What other interests do they have? Ask staff - many companies will offer you the chance to talk about the vacancy with someone; use the opportunity to find out more about the company.
Bigger companies will have PR departments; smaller ones will provide you with some information. Go and have a thorough browse through the client's website.
Make sure you know what the job entails - get a job description, ask someone in a similar post and ring the company to clarify if unsure.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF
Remember the employer is interested in you as a person, your experiences and your opinions (in most cases). Do take the time to sit down and think about yourself; who you are and what you've achieved. It can be highly embarrassing to know more about the employer than yourself.
Sit down with your CV and make notes about your work record and what you've achieved. Look at yourself as a person in employment - how you see yourself, what have you done, what ambitions you have. Make notes and prepare and rehearse sound bites about yourself. Remember that one of the most common interview questions is 'Tell me about yourself'. Prepare an answer for this in particular, but not a life history. Usually interviewers want to know about personal qualities not achievements - though examples can be included to support your statement.
YOUR QUESTIONS TO THEM
There is always the opportunity to ask them questions at the end of the interview - remember the interview is a two way process; you need to be sure you want to join them too!
Try to concentrate on issues which are both important to you and combine an apparent interest in the company; leave issues like terms and conditions of employment until the very last, even if they may feel the most important to you. Write your questions down prior to the interview and take them with you. Never mention salary in an interview unless you are invited to do so.
PRESENTATION
Wear what is appropriate for the post and the company. It may vary from smart, formal wear in some instances to very formal dress in others. Try and get an insight into what the company would expect from other employees or through observation. Be well groomed and clean. Try to look calm and confident.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS AND BODY LANGUAGE
Once you are ushered into the interview room there will usually be a short exchange of pleasantries and ice breaking. Don't be fooled by this time - it really is designed to put you at ease in most circumstances, but these initial moments are the most formative - don't go over the top being exceptionally friendly or alternatively going rigid with fear feeling that your handshake was too limp!
A pleasant natural smile, a firm handshake and a brief exchange of words in a natural manner are sufficient.
BODY LANGUAGE
Some simple (but frequently broken) rules:
- Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, lean slightly towards the interviewer.
- Don't play with your hair or your hands. Keep them out of pockets!
- Try not to create defensive barriers between you and the interviewer, like a briefcase on your knees, folded arms or crossed legs - even if you feel you need to. No one will attack you!
- Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer - but don't stare.
- If there's more than one interviewer, look at who's talking.
- When you're talking, shift your glance from one to the other.
- Don't over use your hands, particularly if you are a natural gesticulator.