|
|
| Article Listing | Search Articles | More Articles in |
Top Interview Tips |
|
|
Successful interviews require that you show yourself to be competent to do the job. Below are some tips that will help you through the process. |
Research the job
one of the first crucial steps in the preparation for interview is understanding the job while, the company and industry as a whole. Finding out this information will provide you with confidence and the foundation for a composed and knowledgeable interview posture. Best places to research the are the Internet, and through speaking to people currently doing the job.
Make time to freshen up
Clean hair and nails and other ornaments of personal hygiene should not be overlooked. The way you present yourself outwardly, will how have a massive impact on how you are perceived. Men should perhaps consider a shave ;)
Pay attention to your appearance.
Your style of clothes will really influence the perception your potential employer will have of you. There is a temptation to dress down for interviews due to the increasingly casual nature of workplace dress codes. This should be avoided, though, as you should make sure yourself look well put together and portray the best possible image of yourself.
Be punctual
It is important to be on time to interview. Being late will not be seen positively, but also been too early too can say something about you. You should plan your journey and give yourself plenty of time. If you are early then check out where the interview it is and then find somewhere to wait for a few minutes. Get there were plenty of time and street interview ass you would any other important appointment. It's often advisable to print out a route of the journey, and to build in extra time in case of delays, missed connections or heavy traffic.
The first impression
When interviewing the interviewer only has a short period of time to decide whether you could fit the organisation. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Ensure that you put your best foot forward. If appropriate, bring along some reports or a portfolio detailing your previous successes. These can provide an excellent basis to describe how you are competent to do the job role you are applying for. By demonstrating to previous work history, what you can do to your communicating much more powerfully than by purely talking in general terms.
Your body language counts.
After making a good first impression is important to recognize that the way you look move and behave during interview, conveys a massive out about you. 80% plus of the communication is non-verbal. This suggests that the way you move and your body language will have a bigger impact on when you get the job or not than what you say. Obviously am not suggesting that if you are not competent but act confident you will get the job, but your body language could give you the edge on other candidates. As well as paying attention to your body language you should be aware of that of your interviewer. Obviously you have limited information on the person, but if you see changes in posture (for example, if they close up, by turning away from you or folding their arms, this may indicate they are not yet happy with the response you have given-and it may be worth clarifying that you are answering the question that they are actually asking. It easy to get sidetracked and go off the point). Often, your positive body language can rub off an interviewer and actually make them feel more positive about you. Do be aware that some interviewers may naturally just have a more closed style of body language, so don't get disheartened unnecessarily during interview. Be sure not to fidget, keep your feet on the floor, and do not touch your face or hair or do anything else that may be distracting to the interviewer.
Listen closely
Listen to the employer's questions. Listen to their needs, expectations and what they want to know of you. The interview will go much more smoothly, if you think less about what you want to say, and listen more to what the employer is that she asking. The employer may well give you clues, and this can combine with you earlier research to provide you with the opportunity to give excellent answers and improve the chances of securing a job.
Maintain your professionalism
Remember you're a job interview with a person will decide whether you will work for their organisation. If there are any stumbling blocks, for example, working hours, then talk through the options maturely as there may be a way to reach a compromise. Never criticise or condemn past colleagues or employers, but rather be courteous, yet honest and refrain from exaggerating. If you were bored in your last role a better way to say this might be “I left my last job to find a position that will allow me to make better use of my skill set”.
Exit with dignity
Always be polite and courteous, thank the employer for their time, and if appropriate ask about the next stage in the interview process. A good question could be “at this stage is there anything in particular that you feel would prevent me from being successful in the job”. This may allow you to overcome any misconceptions the interviewer gleaned about you and provide you with a final opportunity to match yourself appropriately to the job. If there is something that they are unsure about then you might as well have a chance to change their mind. Remember the firm handshake and the smile on exit.
|
| |
|
