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