INTERVIEW SKILLS AND TIPS

Interviews can be a stressful experience at the best of times – especially if you are unprepared, but if you spend a bit of time practicing and getting ready it can make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and have a massive effect on the outcome!

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results!

1. Preparation, preparation, preparation!

Preparation is the first essential step and the more you do, the more confident you will feel. Employers will pick up on whether you have prepared or not and this will indicate your level of interest in the position as well as your suitability for the role.

Important preparation should include: Knowing the exact time and place of the interview, the interviewers name and their job title, Details on the position you are interviewing for – a job description or copy of the advertisement, Researching the company’s website to find out specific facts about the company: where its offices are located; what its products and services are; what its history was, Refreshing your memory about your career – your present and former employers and your responsibilities and achievements in your jobs, Preparing some questions to ask during the interview and at the end.

Checklist

Time and location of the interview
Route / transport and timing planned
Details of interviewer's name and job title
Research and information about the company for review
List of questions to ask
Copies of your resume
Pen and paper for taking notes.
Smart interview outfit
Copies of references and qualifications
Money for taxis or parking

2. In the Interview

Remember that you have made it past the first hurdle already and that the employer thinks enough of you that they want to meet you and find out more. This should reassure you and give you confidence that you are suitable for the position. Now you just have to sell yourself and convince the employer!

First impressions last - research has shown that when you first meet someone, you form a strong opinion of them within the first few seconds. Within a couple of minutes you will have formed a lasting opinion of this persons it is crucial that you make a very good first impression.

The interviewer will be evaluating you qualifications, skills, experience, suitability for the role and also your personality. To help the interview to run smoothly make sure you;

Plan ahead and arrive on time – being late, sets a very bad impression and is rarely excusable.

Greet the interviewer formally and confidently – First impressions are very important!
Shake hands firmly, but without being overpowering and make sure you look the interviewer in the eyes and smile!
Wait to be offered a chair before sitting
Be aware of your body language and posture - sit upright, lean forward and look the interviewer in the eyes.
Don’t answer questions with just a yes or no - expand on your answers and try and relate your skills and experience to the position and questions
Don’t lie or excaudate the truth - if you get the job, discrepancies in your CV or answers will become apparent quickly.
Do not talk negatively about former or present employers or companies – it never makes a good impression
Avoid asking questions about salary, holidays, bonuses, perks etc too early – these questions can be asked later – you should focus on the job and the company. However, be prepared to discuss salary if you are asked and be open and realistic about what you are looking for

3. Questions you may be asked

There a lots of different questions that you may get asked in an interview and it is impossible to prepare answers for all of them, but some of the most common ones you may be asked are ;

Tell me about yourself.
What do you know about our company?
Have you looked at our website?
Why are you interested in this position?
Why should we employ you?
What can you offer this position?
Why are you leaving your current job?
Describe what you feel to be a good working environment?
Did you supervise people on your last job?
What do your colleagues think of you?
In your current or last position what features did you like the most? Least?
What are your most significant achievements in your career so far?
Describe a situation where you had conflict with someone and how did you handle it?
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
What other positions and companies are you considering?
What are your personal goals?
What do you see yourself 5 years from now?
What are your personal interest and hobbies outside of work?

4. Possible Questions for you to Ask

Why is this position vacant?
Why did the person who held this position most recently leave?
What would you like accomplished in this job?
What are the long-term goals of the position?
What kind of support does this position receive?
Is there a formal training program?
What are the company's plans for growth?

5. Completing the Interview

After the interview, thank the interview for their time and shake hands firmly again remembering to look them in the eyes and smile Ask what the next step will be and confirm your enthusiasm to continue the process.

DO'S AND DONT'S

Prepare!
Arrive on time
Shake hands firmly and smile
Look your interviewer in the eye at interview.
Answer questions positively and concisely – confirming your good points
Have a list of questions to ask

DON'T

Smoke before an interview
Lie or excaudate the truth
Talk negatively about former or present employers
Be arrogant or over confident