Interviews are an integral part of the job seeking process and though some enjoy the challenge, many of us find them quite nerve racking. The following is intended to help you through the process. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression. We hope you find this of use, however, please do contact us if we can provide further assistance.
Be prepared
Find out as much as you can about the job and the company by asking for a job description and using the web to get information on the company and the market in which they operate. You will gain an insight into the company culture from the home page and also the news or press release sections.
Knowing about the company and the market will help you to show the interviewer that you are thinking about how you would do the job. Prepare a few questions that you can ask about the role and the company to demonstrate your level of interest and to show that you have thought about the opportunity.
Think about your answers to the sorts of questions that you will be asked at the interview and prepare possible answers to them. You may feel that there are certain questions which would completely flummox you. Questions often perceived as particularly difficult include those which appear to be designed to catch you!
One of the reasons these questions are asked is to see how you react. Relax, be honest and keep in mind the points you want to make about yourself, so emphasizing the positive.
Remember the power of silence, and don’t talk yourself out of a job while you are trying to fill silences left by the interviewer.
Practicalities
There are practical things which you need to consider and it may be useful to prepare a checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Interview format:
How will the interview be structured and how long will it last?
Do you need to prepare anything?
Do you need to take anything with you?
Getting there:
Check on the logistics of getting to the interview
Leave plenty of time so you are not rushed or, even worse late
Make sure you have a contact number if the unforeseen happens so you can call ahead
Dress code:
Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the position for which you are being interviewed. Some companies have a relaxed approach to dress, but always make sure you wear a smart version of the dress code. If in doubt, wear a suit.
The interview
Firstly, accept that you will be nervous - this is natural. The symptoms you will experience - fast heartbeat, clammy hands and butterflies in the stomach - are your body’s way of meeting a challenge.
Practice deep slow breathing before the interview starts. This will slow down your heart rate and help you to avoid quick shallow breaths which can result in a shaky voice.
You make an impression in the first few minutes, so it's important to make first impressions work for you. So enter the room confidently and shake hands firmly. Be polite and friendly and be interested asking questions as well as answering. Provide examples to support your achievements, using examples from more than one situation. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand the question and speak clearly.
Approach the interview with confidence and a positive frame of mind. Selectors like to see enthusiasm, but they will not expect a word-perfect performance; if you make a mistake just forget it and go on.
Above all tell the truth and be yourself.
Body language
Body or non-verbal language might be defined as ‘what we say without saying anything’. Much of the impact you create at interview is based on your non-verbal presentation.
Be aware of how you look, and how you walk and sit. Maintain good eye contact without staring, try not to talk too fast and keep your tone moderate. If you are nervous, take a deep breath before you answer a question and remember to smile occasionally when appropriate.
What next?
If the employers have not already made the next step clear in terms of when they expect to let you know the outcome, go ahead and ask them. If they do not provide timescales, ask for an indication of the timing of the next stages of the process.
Feedback
It is always worth asking an organization for feedback after an interview. Some interviewers may be happy to give you feedback at the time or alternatively offer it at a later date or through an agency, if relevant.
The impression you made on the interview may well reflect your own view of your performance during the interview or it may highlight other areas which you can now address. |
