| While regarded by many as an imperfect way to | | | | the company is right for you. Focus on your |
| choose a new employee, interviews are used by | | | | strengths: Remember that the organization |
| almost all organisations irrespective of size | | | | knows that you CAN do the job and they want |
| or sector. You may not like the process and | | | | you to confirm this to them during the |
| indeed some fear interviews intensely however | | | | interview. Don't let any negative experiences |
| to get that crucial first job and to move up | | | | or a gap in your career for example negate |
| the career ladder you must become not only | | | | all the great work you have done. Step into |
| comfortable in the interview room but also | | | | the Interviewers Shoes: What exactly is the |
| learn how to become an excellent interviewee. | | | | interviewer looking for from you? Imagine |
| Many candidates believe that having a great | | | | yourself in the interviewers place and try to |
| resume/CV is enough to see them through the | | | | get a feel for what they need from you. Once |
| interview and win the job offer. This is a | | | | you can do that effectively you will be able |
| common mistake that results in | | | | to build a relationship with them from the |
| disappointment. The reality is that all | | | | first moment of the interview. Listen: Focus |
| candidates have a great resume/CV and in my | | | | on the questions being asked and if you are |
| experience it is often not the applicant with | | | | not sure of the meaning of the question, then |
| the best experience or skills who will win | | | | ask. This is a two way conversation and the |
| the job rather the one who performs best at | | | | interviewer will respond favorable to being |
| the interview. So just what do you have to do | | | | engaged like this however, don't do this with |
| to stand out of the crowd and impress on the | | | | every question as you may come across as |
| interviewer that you are the right person for | | | | lacking in confidence. Relevant Answers: Keep |
| the job? This article looks at the key | | | | your answers relevant to the question and do |
| techniques that any job interview candidate | | | | not be tempted to ramble. You may have an |
| can use, irrespective of the type or level of | | | | interesting story to tell or a great strength |
| the position to succeed and win those great | | | | but if it is not required in the job don't |
| job offers. Be Prepared: A common mistake | | | | mention it. Body Language: Smiling, |
| made by candidates is not being fully | | | | maintaining eye contact, a relaxed focused |
| prepared and there really is no excuse. There | | | | posture, restrained gesticulation are all |
| is usually more than enough time from the | | | | examples of good body language which will |
| date you receive your invite to the interview | | | | work for you in the interview. Ask Questions: |
| itself and proper preparation and practice | | | | You will be given an opportunity to ask |
| will enhance greatly your ability to answer | | | | questions usually at the end however you do |
| questions, to communicate and to present | | | | not have to wait until then necessarily. As |
| yourself in the best possible light. There is | | | | in any conversation there will be appropriate |
| no one recommended way to prepare for an | | | | time when you can interject and ask relevant |
| interview. Instead, there are key tools and | | | | questions. Be aware that questions about |
| techniques that can be used to improve one's | | | | salary, working hours, holidays etc should |
| chances of interview success. Find out as | | | | not be asked at this stage. |
| much as possible about the type and format of | | | | |
| the interview. Research the company to find | | | | Annette Lewis is an accredited interviewer, |
| out how commercially viable it is, what | | | | job coach and career consultant. |
| skills are they looking for and discover if | | | | |