Interview Tips
Winning at the Interview
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Appearance counts - When you look good, you
feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat.
Dress better than you would if you actually got the
job. Your clothes and accessories should be
conservative and neutral rather than wild and loud.
Your clothes are your packaging and should not
take attention away from the product.
Act and dress professionally even if you are on first
name terms with the interviewers
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Body language needs to be confident and positive Nonverbal communication sometimes conveys a
stronger message than words.
Stand up straight. When you stand, make yourself as
tall as possible: shoulders back and head held high.
If short, where higher heels and solid colours.
When seated – keep arms open, still and sit
comfortably.
Shake hands (firm and confident) – have good eye
contact!
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Punctuality
Regardless of your knowledge of whether or not the
organisation is running late with interviews get there early –
allow yourself at least 5 -10 minutes waiting time before the
time of the interview – you can use this time to your
advantage.
If you realise you are going to be late wherever possible ring to
advise the employer of this fact. Once you arrive apologize
briefly – avoid long winded explanations. Always have contact
details of who you are meeting with you in case of an
emergency.
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Do use common language and be yourself.
Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong impression. Whether
the interview's over the phone or face-to-face, you should speak with
enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate confidence and don’t
rush in and answer a question – have a 4 second delay!
Also people like stories so by doing your research on the company you can
develop stories of what you have done in other roles or through your
experiences which match what they are looking for.
Telephone Interviews - stand up when you are talking – it gives more authority
and confidence.
Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with
people, especially ones you've not met before and also shows your knowledge
of the industry. It is important to use their words and talk their talk.
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Do know something about the company. It is a good idea to be
able to comment about the company's products, service and
history. By doing some homework in this area, you can show the
interviewer that you are really interested in their company.
Pay close attention to current affairs and business reports closer
to your interview date – especially those which relate to the
industry in which you are going to be interviewed.
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Here are some ideas for doing your Research on the company:
How long has the company been in business?
Has the company changed it name or restructured in this time?
How many employees do they have?
Who is their current CEO?
What state is the company/firm in? Is it growing? Has it been through
a tough time?
What are the organisation’s values – what does this mean operationally
and to you personally?
What is the company’s mission statement? What goals does it have?
What products and services do they offer?
How is the company brand perceived in the community? Has it been
associated with any controversy?
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Do have a few relevant questions to ask. These questions should deal
directly with the responsibilities of the job. Come prepared and have
them written down so you can refer to them (at least 2 – 3 questions).
Examples include:
Ask about the position, request clarification of general information
about the company or summarise your understanding and request
confirmation.
What type of on-going training does the company or firm offer? Or
What is the organisation’s attitude to ongoing study?
Would I be working within a team? If so, would you need me to meet
any of the team before starting?
What is the culture like here? Or Why do you like working here?
Ask about the organisational structure – how are budgets controlled or
allocated?
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Do ask for the job. If you really want the position and feel that you have the
qualifications for it, then show the interviewer your feelings and ask for the job.
You get more if you ask for it (if you don't ask you may not get it).
Do say thank you and remember to shake hands. A handshake is a good way to
end the interview on a positive note.
Do send a thank you email/letter/card to the interviewer(s). Surprisingly, this
is a practice that few people follow, yet it can be a very successful job strategy.
Thank them, add any points that you feel were missed during the interview and
assure the employer that you will be able to do the job better than anyone else.
Such an approach can't hurt your chances so why not try it. It may give you the
extra edge that you need to come out a winner from the interview.
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Do bring your references, personal appraisals, CV and
cover letter. Provide the employer with your list of
references and any letters, performance reviews,
academic transcripts that may help verify and support
your background as it relates to the job for which you
are applying or any other supporting documents such
as drivers licence, written references etc
Visit and practice interviews with:
www.bemyinterviewer.co.uk
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TOP 5 TIPS
1.
Your CV gets you the interview you get yourself the job
2.
People who prepare well, interview well
3.
Interviews are 90% Preparation and 10% Performance
4.
Interviews are a performance….. no actor does a
performance without practice
5.
Remember S.T.A.R (situation, task, action, result)
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Handy Tips & Information
Never chew gum! Have breath mints or toothpaste and toothbrush prior to interview –
fresh breath makes you feel great
Turn off your cellphone!
Good interviewers have water available – pour a glass you may need it!
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol prior to going in to an interview – the smell will follow you
Don’t eat curries, garlic or strong spicy scented food prior to the interview – the smell
will come out of your glands and follow you
Carry a tissue or handkerchief for the interview
Polish shoes and have all clothes pressed and laid out the night prior to interview – if a
lady have a spare of tights/stockings available
Check that the car has petrol, bus ticket is valid, or correct change available
No excessive jewelry, no bangles, no tongue studs, splashy watches, multiple earrings or
necklaces
No perfume or cologne – they want to remember you not your scent
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There are hundreds of possible interview questions, and it will help you to
prepare by remembering that employers are looking for. Also most
questions will behavioural interviewing style so you need to prepare
‘stories’ or ‘scenarios’ around the key responsibilities of the role:
Can you actually do the job – experience, education, aptitude, strengths,
training sufficient,
Who are you? What are you like – characteristics and traits
Will you fit in with the others in my company/organisation? Will you be
part of a problem or solution?
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Psychometric assessments are now a popular part of the interview
process - Written, oral or practical tests that quantify different types of
human behaviour.
These tests provide the employer with information on how the job
applicant will handle stress, whether he/she will be able to cope with the
intellectual demands of the job, how well he/she will work with other
people.
Psychometric testing is usually only part of the selection process in
conjunction with other assessment methods like group exercises,
interviews and presentations. Usually done as a series of on-line tests.
Practice websites are www.shl.com and www.prospects.ac.uk
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Review your performance. Thank about how you can improve and go through
the following checklist (do this prior to the interview and following):
Was my introduction professional and polite?
Did I make eye contact?
Did I smile?
Did I present well?
Was I enthusiastic and friendly?
Was my body language positive?
Were my answers comprehensive?
Were my questions relevant and concise?
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