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