Job Interview Tips and Techniques
Most people feel nervous when they attend job interviews, but very few actually prepare for them in any real depth. An amazing 33% of people lose out on jobs by making basic errors that wouldn’t have happened if they had invested some time in preparing for their big chance.
Here are some
top interview tips for making sure your first impression is a good one:
• Do your research: Find out about the company as a whole, and get an idea of what your job role would entail if you are successful. This will allow you to ask appropriate questions and it shows you have a real interest in what the company does.
• Plan your questions: See it as a chance to show how enthusiastic you are about doing the job. Steer clear of questions regarding salary, benefits, working hours, and anything which puts the onus on you. Ask questions that are company focused instead.
• Use positive body language: More than 50% of the way we communicate is through body language, so make sure yours is positive. Don’t fold your arms and sit with an open posture – uncross your legs and try and remain relaxed. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer as this lets them know you are interested and paying attention.
• Allow plenty of time: This covers several areas – allowing extra time for the journey, arriving in plenty of time for the interview, and not planning to do anything else afterwards. If you are likely to keep looking at your watch (whether it’s because of nerves or any other reason) take it off when you arrive, and before you go in to your interview.
• Be prepared: Are you required to take anything with you? If you are, make sure you present it nicely. Taking certificates or arranging a presentation in a carrier bag doesn’t give out the right image! Buy a leather portfolio if you have to, but make sure your first impression is a professional one. Make sure you have taken the time to
create a professional looking CV!
• Use verbal communication correctly: Pay attention to what is being said and don’t speak until the interviewer has stopped talking. Butting in is simply bad manners; nod your head when appropriate to let them know you are paying attention, and don’t be afraid to think before answering. It shows that you are considering your response carefully instead of blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. It also helps to dispel nerves.
One final pointInterviews aren’t the nicest event in our lives. But by paying attention to the above tips, we can rest assured we will make the best impression possible.
