The first 30 seconds of a job interview is the most important – so if you want to be a cut above the rest you need to be on the ball. Rob Yeung, a business psychologist, maintains that an interview is all about the three Ps. “You need to prepare, you need to practise, and then, on the day, you need to perform.”
Here are 10 tips for interview success.
1. First impressions count
Greet your interviewer with a friendly smile and firm handshake, this will most likely be the first time you’ve met the interviewer so you need to make your first impression a great one. Most interviewers make their mind up as to whether you will fit into their team in the first 30 seconds!
2. Be prepared
Make sure to re-read your CV and the job advert just before the interview, this will refresh your mind as to what you have told the interviewer through your CV so that you aren’t stuck for words when you can’t remember doing a task 4 years ago. Along with this, do your research thoroughly. To help you out, you should be revising the company web site so that you are ready for any question they throw at you.
3. Don’t waffle
Answer questions properly – even if you need a few moments’ silence to collect your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to take a few moments to pause and think about your answers. You don’t want to say something that you’ll regret sharing when you think back to it later on. Make sure you’re adding as much detail as possible.
4. Why should they hire you?
Most job adverts will list qualities they’re looking for – a team worker, a good communicator – so it’s up to you to think of examples of how you can demonstrate these skills. Be ready to talk about your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. Have at least three strong points about yourself that you can relate to the company and job on offer so that the interviewer can visualize you in the company.
5. Be positive
Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you, so the last thing they’ll want to hear is you talking about your boss or current colleagues behind their back in a bad manner. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and is enthusiastic.
6. Remember your body language
It is not what you say, but how you say it. During the interview, do not fold your arms and lean back or look to the floor! Sit upright and try to maintain good eye contact. Use your hands and lean forward when making a point. Many people cannot think and control their body language at the same time, which is why you need to prepare.
7. Expect the unexpected
Your interviewer may try to catch you off guard: A survey by OfficeAngels has revealed that 90% of employers tend to ask ‘killer’ questions in interviews. It is impossible to plan for every difficult question, such as “How would your colleagues describe you?” but try to appear relaxed and in control. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if necessary but do not evade it.
8. Develop rapport
Show energy, a sense of humour and smile. Be inquisitive and charismatic, ask your interviewer questions about themselves, and any issues or questions you have about the business.
9. Clarify anything you are unsure of
If you are not certain what is meant by a particular question, ask for clarification. In the end, ask the interviewer if there is anything else he or she needs to know about. Do not be afraid to ask when you are likely to hear if you have been successful or not.
10. Remember your manners
It is better to choose than to be chosen. Tell the interviewer why you are interested in the company and job opportunity. It could be worth asking them for a business card and follow it up by sending a “thank-you” e-mail or letter, saying how much you enjoyed meeting them and how interested you are. Take the opportunity to detail the key advantages you bring.
So there you have it. We have given you all the tools to go and SMASH your interview, so go ahead and get your dream job!