So you've impressed with your CV and got to interview stage. Now to impress in person.
Interviews are the most common and sometimes the only method by which organisations assess a candidate's suitability for the job. Your aim in a job interview is to:
·Learn more about the organisation and the role
·Expand on the details outlined in your application by giving more information about your competencies
·Sell yourself by matching your skills, achievements and accomplishments to the job.
Interviews, as we all know, can be nerve racking occasions. An understanding of good interviewing skills can be crucial in the difference between getting the job we want and being unsuccessful. What follows is a list of pointers or helpful hints of which you may already be aware of but are designed to help reinforce good interview techniques, which if applied successfully, will undoubtedly help in furthering your career.
1. Make sure you prepare. Planning the interview in advance will help you to stand out from the crowd and manage the nerves. Research the company fully, ensure you know where you are going, what you need to bring along to the interview and always look as smart as you possibly can. First impressions are vitally important.
2. Ensure that you are punctual. Allow enough time for you to arrive early. Never leave for an interview planning to get there bang on time arriving early gives you time to compose yourself and relax and allows your potential employer to see that you are punctual and reliable.
3. When meeting your interviewer maintain good eye contact, give a firm handshake and don’t be scared to smile. Candidates that smile more often and maintain more frequent eye contact tend to do more favourably than those that make less eye contact and smile less. Use open body language and sit firm and comfortably in the chair. Avoid causing a barrier between you and the interviewer by crossing, your legs or hiding behind your documentation.
4. Ensure you calm yourself down a little, by breathing a little more deeply. Consciously slow your speech and deepen voice tone early in the interview at the more formal part; you can lighten up later when rapport has been established.
5. Be in the right psychological state for the interview, eager and listen attentively. All such actions show confidence, appreciation and keenness – actions employers want to see.
6. Employers have a choice so remember to sell the relevant skills you have as well as the achievements and accomplishments you have made. Make sure the interviewer has no doubts as to why they should select you.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions. Mostly in interviews employers will ask you questions. Answer them honestly, clearly but above all directly. When appropriate, ask the interviewer questions of your own and never forget to tell them, why you want the job. In doing so you will show the interviewer that you are keen and confident. By asking questions, you will develop a greater understanding of the job and terms and conditions of employment, hence improving your decision process if you are offered the job. An interview is a two-way process – it is as much for your benefit as the interviewer’s.
8. During the interview give positive reasons why you want to change positions.Candidates who desire better opportunities for growth and development, challenge, responsibility and recognition are more likely to be selected when compared to those whose motivation is primarily driven by money, status, etc.
9. Last impressions are nearly as important as the first, as it is the last thing an employer will remember about you once you have gone. When leaving simply remember to keep the positive attitude that you have developed through the whole interview – and let your interviewer know, that you have been impressed with everything you have seen and that you are interested in the job.
By no means is this an exhaustive list, or a foolproof way of getting every job, but in following these helpful hints and using your own past experience, it can only enhance your chance of success at every interview you attend. Our skilled consultants are only a call or click away from helping you with your needs. For further information on how we can help call 01992 501111 or email info@mpi.ltd.uk.