SUCCESS AT INTERVIEWS

 

Imagine the scene – you’ve just got a call from a recruitment consultant inviting you to attend an interview in a week’s time – chances are you’ll have a mix of reactions to the news, ranging from pure delight that someone actually wants to  meet with  you to what could feel like sheer terror at the very thought of putting on your glad rags and strutting your stuff.

 

The best way to enhance your interview skills is to practice, practice and practice.  Top tips on preparation and performance:

 

Be Prepared

Obvious stuff, but it’s staggering how many people just don’t prepare thoroughly before an interview.  Check out the pointers below to make sure you’re not one of them !

 

• Logistics – where, when, with whom and what to expect regarding additional testing, presentations etc Also, it’s always worth taking a copy of your CV / application form

• Dress – We know from consistent research that how we look at an interview plays a key part in success.  So, do consider your image and what you want your clothes to say about you… they’ll be talking as soon as you enter the room !  Always seek  a second opinion from a valued friend / colleague

• Research – no excuses these days not to get the low-down on your potential new employer.  Use the internet  to explore the organisation itself, consider key competitors in the field and search relevant hot topics   

• Your network – could offer a useful “behind the scenes” angle

• The position – remind yourself what attracted you to the role initially and what the interviewer will be looking for ie skills / experience match plus where the challenges might lie

• Your CV / application form - know this documentation inside out so that you can speak with confidence

• Questions you anticipate being asked – remember, an interviewer’s job is to gather evidence, not to catch you out.  So, be ready with examples that clearly illustrate relevant experience and consider any challenging questions someone might have re: your work history.  Consider how you might respond to questions concerning managing a part time role.  Your potential new employer may be in need of some re-assurance.  

• Questions for you to ask – always good to have a couple prepared which will get your interviewer thinking

• Money – you never know when this subject might be raised, so again be prepared for the conversation – know your market value as well as your bottom line when it comes to salary and over-all package.  That means doing some pro-rata calculations (we have a pro-rata calculator on our homepage) beforehand ! 

 

A Winning Performance

This isn’t about  becoming an Oscar-nominee, but it is about being the best you you can be !

For most of us, attending an interview isn’t necessarily how we’d choose to spend an afternoon - nerves and anxiety invariably play their part. Bear the following key pointers in mind and hopefully, those nerves will be working for rather than against you.

 

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to kick-off and check-out Reception –the interview  is a 2-way exploration, so ask yourself “Can I see myself working here ?”   

• Whilst waiting for your interviewer, pay attention to your breathing and slow it down a tad – a quick way to ease anxiety and clear the mind

• Remember, you’ve done your preparation. You’re the expert in the room when it comes to talking about yourself, so think responses, not answers… this isn’t about getting it wrong !

• Feeling comfortable in your own shoes (that’s literally as well !!) is key to giving a confident performance, so maintain an open posture, a measured tone and pace of voice plus remember to smile, be positive  and show enthusiasm !

• If there’s more than one interviewer, engage the whole panel when responding.

• Be ready with those bright and enquiring questions (2 – 3 max.)

• Let your interviewer raise the subject of salary – you just need to be prepared for discussion eg what are your salary expectations ? 

• Finally, once all is said and done, find a quiet space to capture your immediate thoughts about how things went and what you felt about the opportunity itself.

 

The most useful thing you can do between reading this and attending your next interview is practice.  Find a willing volunteer and get them to run through a few choice questions…with of course some useful feedback points.

Wishing you interesting and enjoyable conversations out there in the job market !