|
Interviews
Interview Techniques - Click
Here
Remember it takes two to interview. What can you
do to make the most of the time and opportunity you’ve been
given…
‘Don’t smoke, don’t bite your fingernails,
don’t put your hand near your face, don’t slouch, don’t
give wimpy handshakes. Don’t be late, always ask questions,
don’t swear, don’t forget to smile, don’t stare interviewers
out, and don’t look away and ignore them. That’s the list
of don’ts that we give to graduate interviewees. So what do
you do?
In a nutshell, be professional and be prepared.
Preparation means more than reading the recruitment
brochure. Make use of careers services, the Internet and libraries
to find out about the organisation you are applying, and the sector
it operates. Talk to trade associations or professional organisations
or someone who is doing a similar job.
Read the papers and relevant trade journals and watch
the TV news - and not just the night before. But don’t just
read. Think. What are the key debates in this sector? What are a
company’s rivals up to? How could you contribute to its new
product development strategy? Always expect to answer standard questions
- why you want the job, why this organisation, and why they should
want you. Put together a hit list of five or six key points, showing
why you are right for the job. Practice makes perfect, but never
learn verbatim answers.
The best insights and ideas won’t be any use
if you don’t present your case in the best manner possible,
content is very important but if you get the rest wrong an interviewer
won’t even pick up on the content.
Your appearance must show you are serious about the job and this
goes beyond clothes. Brushed hair, clean finger nails and go easy
on the jewellery, aftershave or perfume.
Travel to your interview in good time. Take a walk
before you go in to relax. Turn up modestly early, be polite to
reception staff and chatty with other interviewees. People do notice
these things and the internal grapevine can be very efficient. Walk
in confidently, smile, and offer a firm, but not crushing handshake.
Body language is critical. Sit up straight, hands
in front of you. Don’t fiddle. Eye contact matters more than
anything, though it should be light, not startling. In panel interviews
don’t just look at one person - you want them all to form a
favourable opinion of you.
An interview is a dialogue, not a monologue so don’t
give one word answers. Gently steer the conversation to your advantage,
ask questions - always, and do not be afraid to take the initiative
in bringing up relevant experience.
If you are asked what your weaknesses are don’t pour out all
your faults. Instead give examples of bad experiences you have analysed
and learnt from or missed opportunities you wish to correct.
At the end of the interview say goodbye properly,
this is the last impression the interviewer will have of you.
Good luck!!
Interview Techniques - Click
Here
|
