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| | Interview Tips
Written by Mayhew Foxtrot
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Research, research, research. The more you know, the better you will do. One of the main criteria of interviewers is the amount of knowledge that you have aquired about their business. Think specifics, not just the year they started in but things that you would have to look further than their website for.
Try to find out about your interviewer before attending the interview, use your networking skills. Ask questions like:
How long have they been with the company?
What type of person do they like working with?
What are other people like in the team?
What are some of the projects that are being worked on at the moment?
Dress smartly. Purely inoffensive business attire. No sandals or Bermuda shorts here! Shirt ironed, top button done up, clean shoes. Sounds like common sense but sometimes you would be surprised what people think is acceptable.
2. Be confident!
You are the person for this job. You have the skills the aptitude and the drive to excel, let the interviewer know this.
2. Be on time!
Possibly check out the location beforehand so that this doesn't become an issue on the day. If you are held up, make sure you contact the company BEFORE you are late.
3. How you should act
Firm but friendly eye contact, not too much, not too little.
Remember, the interviewer needs someone to fill a need within their company, you have to match what you say to that need.
Be friendly but always remember you are not there to be their friend. Sucking up to someone will do you no favours!
Be consistent with all people you meet with the company e.g the secretary as they may be asked their opinion of you after the interview.
Stand when your interviewer enters the room, provide a firm handshake.
4. Your answers
Generally the person who is most passionate about the role is the person who will get the job. The will usually get the job over someone who is far more capable because the interviewer will be able to see the passionate interviewee putting the same effort into their job!!
Keep your answers concise but effective. Work out what you are going to say before you say it, this will stop you from waffling and losing your way.
Make sure you read our advice on Interview Success
Make sure there is no waffling, think of the start middle and most importantly, ending of your answer BEFORE you start talking. Remember taking a pause after being asked each question will give the impression that you are listening.
Never complain about your last company.
If there is a negative aspect to your previous employment, emphasise the positive aspects of that role. Remember, when Coke release an advert it doesn't make any mention to the sugar content, just how 'cool' it makes you.
5. The close
The close or ending of an interview is probably the most subjective part, in that it differs the most from industry to industry.
At it's simplest, closing is about letting the interviewer know that you are interested in the role, potentially asking 'what is the next stage'.
The closer your role comes to one that is sales based the more presumptive you have to be. Even going so far as to say 'what concerns would you have about offering me the job today'. This could even be asked at your first interview.
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