For some, the interview process is very scary and sleepless nights often proceed the interview day! Most of this fear is created by a lack of understanding of what is going to happen. Be honest if you knew exactly what the interviewer was looking for and what the questions were going to be, would you be as worried?
Below are a few hints and tips to help you prepare for your next interview. There are possibly three main areas to consider:
– Body Language
– Thinking on your feet
– What to say
BODY LANGUAGE
An experienced interviewer will be looking at how you compose yourself during the interview and these are some of the points you need to consider.
Posture
Sit upright, look keen and interested but not too wooden. It is however, important to look and feel relaxed
Hands
Keep control of hands as they have a tendency to let people down at interview by almost having a mind of their own. It sometimes works to clasp hands lightly together but be careful when folding arms as this can be seen as someone being defensive and evasive.
Face
Always maintain eye contact with the interviewer as this not only shows that you are interested in what is being said but also looked upon by some people as strength of character, however do not stare.
TIME TO THINK
The company should already have received a copy of your CV, plus a brief Personal Profile that we put together on you. The client will be looking to see how you compose yourself how well presented you are. They will check your experience (if relevant), expertise, specific skills, attitude and how you are likely to interact with the other members of the team. Be sure that you are prepared, which will reduce the time you have to think on your feet. Prepare beforehand answers to the questions below (you will be asked some if not all of these questions in some way shape or form).
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Be honest! Relate your answers to a working environment.
Why do you wish to leave your current employer
Do not badmouth your current employer even if you are devastatingly unhappy.
Why do you want this job?
Be positive, tell them it provides a challenge or pick on one point that really interests you and be specific. If you’re vague you won’t be convincing.
What motivates and de-motivates you?
Again be honest but relate it to work issues. Draw on previous experience and don’t be afraid to use examples.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
Try to relate this to work issues and bring in (if you can) similarities between the job you’re being interviewed for.
What has been your greatest achievement?
What has been the biggest mistake you’ve made?
What did you learn from this?
The interviewer is looking to see how you overcome a crisis, there is no wrong or right way to answer this. If you haven’t made a mistake then tell them, but make sure you are being honest because everyone knows that we all make mistakes.
What skills can you bring into this company?
Focus only on skills that are relevant.
What do you expect to achieve in the next 5 years?
Be ambitious but realistic.
Summary
Always be yourself in an interview situation as a good interviewer will see through a performance. All the preparation in the world will not gurantee you a job but it will give you the advantage over the candidate who hasn’t done any preparation at all. We can offer full advice on anything regarding your interview, from what to wear to what to say!
Source: By Matthew Bully, Barrington James
